The relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Europe date back to the late 19th century with Belgian colonization, officially recognized in 1885. After the DRC's independence in 1960, these relations have experienced ups and downs, oscillating between cooperation and tensions. Over the years, the European Union has strengthened its commitment to the stability and development of the DRC[1].

President Tshisekedi Welcomes the Ambassadors of the European Union

This Friday, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, welcomed a delegation of ten European Union (EU) ambassadors accredited in the DRC to the African Union City. This meeting, led by Mr. Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, EU ambassador to the DRC, marks the first official visit of these diplomats since President Tshisekedi's re-election in December 2023[2].

Reaffirmation of the Strategic Partnership between the EU and the DRC

During this meeting, Mr. Nicolas Berlanga Martinez emphasized the importance of the EU as a strategic partner of the DRC. He expressed the desire to renew this partnership and to encourage a frank and open dialogue, aligned with the priorities and ambitions of President Tshisekedi for his new term[3].

Support for the New Government and Enhanced Cooperation

Mr. Berlanga Martinez expressed the willingness of EU member countries to support the new government of President Tshisekedi and to intensify cooperation in various fields. He also addressed the concerning security situation in the East of the country, reaffirming the EU's solidarity with the Congolese people[4].

Condemnation of the Attempted Political Destabilization

Reacting to the events of Pentecost Sunday, Mr. Berlanga Martinez condemned these unfortunate incidents and emphasized the need to collaborate with Congolese authorities to strengthen state institutions and prevent any attempts at political destabilization[5].

Composition of the European Delegation

Image and description: Portraits of the various European ambassadors present at the meeting.

Besides Mr. Nicolas Berlanga Martinez, the delegation included several other ambassadors and chargés d'affaires from various European countries, illustrating the diversity and scope of European engagement in the DRC:

• Henric Råsbrant, Ambassador of Sweden
• Alberto Petrangeli, ambassador of Italy
• Roxane de Bilderling, ambassador of Belgium
• Angèle Samura, ambassador of the Netherlands
• Carmen Diez Orejas, Ambassador of Spain
• Francisco Meireles, permanent chargé d'affaires of Portugal
• Didier Larroque, acting chargé d'affaires of France
• David Marinis, Acting Chargé d'Affaires of Greece
• Levente Szabo, Acting Chargé d'Affaires of Hungary
• Julie Makossova, Deputy Head of Mission of Czechia
• Matilda Schedwin, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union([6])

This meeting demonstrates the willingness of both parties to strengthen their collaboration and work together for the development of the DRC and the stability of the region. The European ambassadors reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Congolese people and their determination to prevent any attempts at destabilization.