By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Jacek Jankowski, has reaffirmed the European Union’s enduring commitment to Sierra Leone, describing the relationship between both partners as one rooted in mutual respect, resilience, peace, democracy and sustainable development.

Speaking during a reception commemorating Europe Day 2026 and marking the 50th anniversary of the European Union’s partnership with Sierra Leone on Thursday, 28th May 2026, at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown, Ambassador Jacek Jankowski reflected on the long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and Europe while emphasizing the need for deeper cooperation in trade, infrastructure, governance and international diplomacy.

The occasion brought together President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, First Lady Madam Fatima Maada Bio, senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, civil society representatives, members of the media and distinguished guests.

Addressing attendees, Ambassador Jacek Jankowski traced the historical significance of Europe Day to the Schuman Declaration of 9th May 1950, when France’s Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, envisioned a Europe founded on peace, partnership and shared prosperity after years of conflict.

“On the 9th of May 1950, Robert Schuman, the Foreign Minister of France, made a bet: that former enemies could become permanent partners, that shared interests are stronger than shared grievances, and that fundamental values held in common can become a foundation compass,” Ambassador Jacek Jankowski stated.

He noted that seventy-five years later, the vision continues to shape Europe’s global partnerships, adding that Sierra Leone, having emerged from a painful civil conflict and embraced peace and dialogue, understands the value of reconciliation and cooperation better than many nations.

The Ambassador described the European Union as one of Sierra Leone’s most dependable development partners, disclosing that over the past five decades, the EU has invested approximately €1.7 billion into Sierra Leone’s economy, including almost half a billion euros in budget support.

According to him, the EU remains the only development partner providing grants directly to Sierra Leone’s national budget, thereby aligning closely with the country’s national priorities and development agenda.

He recalled that the European Union remained committed to Sierra Leone even during some of the nation’s most difficult periods, including the civil war, Ebola outbreak and COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even in the hardest times during the civil war, the EU never discontinued its assistance. To the contrary, we were there massively to support post-war reconstruction and electoral processes,” he stated.

Ambassador Jacek Jankowski further disclosed plans to deepen engagement under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, aimed at addressing infrastructure deficits, accelerating green and digital transition and strengthening agricultural value chains in Sierra Leone.

He emphasized that European private sector investment would play a major role in the implementation of the initiative, while revealing the imminent establishment of an EU Chamber of Commerce in Sierra Leone to promote stronger business cooperation and attract investment.

The Ambassador also reflected on the European Union’s “Everything But Arms” trade initiative, launched twenty-five years ago, which provides Sierra Leone and other developing nations duty-free and quota-free access to European markets.

While acknowledging concerns regarding non-tariff barriers and quality standards, he maintained that European requirements should be viewed as opportunities rather than obstacles.

“Our citizens demand quality and safe products, and upholding standards is one of our fundamental values. However, we are also ready to support Sierra Leone in building the capacity required to meet those standards and strengthen competitiveness in global markets,” he emphasized.

On democratic governance, Ambassador Jacek Jankowski commended Sierra Leone for consistently inviting the European Union to observe elections since the end of the civil war in 2002, describing the practice as a reflection of trust and openness to democratic accountability.

He reiterated the European Union’s support for the implementation of political reforms agreed in October 2023 and July 2024 and reaffirmed confidence in the role of international moral guarantors overseeing those commitments.

Turning to international relations, the Ambassador congratulated President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for Sierra Leone’s successful tenure as a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council between 2024 and 2025, highlighting shared positions on global peace and security, particularly concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

He, however, raised concerns over reports indicating that Sierra Leone’s flag is currently flying on approximately ninety vessels reportedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” noting that the matter deserved serious attention.

“I raise this as a partner, not as a critic, and I trust it will receive the serious consideration it deserves,” Ambassador Jacek Jankowski remarked.

The Ambassador further praised President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, particularly in advancing dialogue, democratic principles and regional economic integration amid growing instability across West Africa.

He stressed that the European Union remains firmly committed to strengthening ECOWAS institutions and promoting peace and constitutional governance throughout the region.

Ambassador Jacek Jankowski also highlighted the importance of the rule of law, human rights and accountability as core values underpinning the EU-Sierra Leone partnership, cautioning that trust could be weakened by increasing global attention on alleged drug trafficking activities.

He assured Sierra Leone of continued European cooperation and support in addressing such concerns where genuine commitment exists.

“If there is clear commitment to act, Sierra Leone’s authorities can count on the European Union for cooperation and concrete support, as always,” he stated.

In his keynote address, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, praised the European Union for fifty years of partnership and solidarity with Sierra Leone.

He described Europe Day as not only a celebration of friendship but also recognition of a relationship grounded in peace, democracy, mutual respect and sustainable development.

“For five decades, the European Union has remained a steadfast and reliable partner to Sierra Leone,” Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba stated, noting that the EU has played a significant role in democratic governance, infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, fisheries, climate resilience and human capital development.

He highlighted the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to expanding cooperation through the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, emphasizing strategic investment opportunities in renewable energy, transport infrastructure, digital transformation, healthcare, education and private sector growth.

According to the Foreign Minister, Sierra Leone remains committed to ensuring that such partnerships deliver practical benefits to citizens, particularly women and young people.

Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba also reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and human rights, emphasizing the Government’s dedication to dialogue, institutional reforms and national cohesion.

He welcomed continued engagement with international moral guarantors overseeing the Agreement for National Unity and praised the support of the European Union in strengthening democratic institutions, justice sector reforms and electoral systems.

On regional security, the Foreign Minister warned that terrorism remains one of the greatest threats facing West Africa and stressed President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s commitment as ECOWAS Chairman to revitalizing regional security cooperation and promoting solidarity across the sub-region.

He also reiterated Sierra Leone’s principled stance on the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing support for sovereignty, territorial integrity and international humanitarian law.

As the celebration concluded, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and the European Union, expressing optimism that the next chapter of cooperation would be built on shared values, prosperity, trust and lasting friendship.

“Together, we are Team Europe,” Ambassador Jacek Jankowski concluded. “And together, we look forward to a future with Sierra Leone built on shared values, shared ambitions and enduring friendship.” https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/foreign-minister-hails-enduring-eu-sierra-leone-partnership-at-europe-day-golden-jubilee-celebration/