EU Wishes Ethiopians Happy New Year, Ambassador Says Union "Solid and Reliable Partner for Ethiopia"

(September 10, 2026, Addis Ababa) — European Union (EU) Ambassador to Ethiopia Sofie From-Emmesberger has extended her New Year best wishes to the people of Ethiopia, stressing that the Union is a solid and reliable partner for Ethiopia.

Speaking to ENA, the Ambassador wished Ethiopians peace, prosperity, good health and happiness.

“For 2019, I wish all Ethiopians peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness. The EU-Ethiopia partnership is now on a good track. The EU is a solid and reliable partner for Ethiopia,” Ambassador From-Emmesberger noted.

Reflecting on the last Ethiopian year, she said the year was marked by a number of important milestones in EU-Ethiopia relations, including several high-level visits and increased political and economic dialogue.

She pointed to the visit of President Taye Atske Selassie to Brussels at the beginning of the year, as well as the visit of EU Commissioner for Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen to Ethiopia for a successful EU-Ethiopia Business Forum.

The Ambassador also highlighted the July visit of EU High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas, who held discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Temothewos.

“These visits and the dialogue just show that we are on a good track when it comes to the political exchange, but also on economic and trade matters,” Ambassador From-Emmesberger said.

According to her, another significant development as 2018 came to an end was the lifting of visa restrictions that had affected Ethiopians in various ways.

Looking ahead, the EU ambassador said she expects the partnership to continue growing through stronger political engagement, increased European trade and investment, and broader engagement with Ethiopian society.

“I look forward to 2019 with both continuing this political engagement, continuing with having more trade and investment from the European side, and continuing to engage with society in a broad sense, also with civil society.”

The EU is expanding cooperation with Ethiopia in key areas, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, public health, climate action, green transition initiatives and international trade, as the country continues to implement wide ranging economic reforms.