Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s long-standing partnership with the European Union is set to deepen after the EU’s top diplomat in Mogadishu offered firm reassurances that neither global economic shocks nor shifting geopolitical priorities will weaken Europe’s commitment to the country. Speaking during an exclusive interview with State Media, EU Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro mapped out a future anchored in predictability, shared interests, and an expanding development agenda.
Her message was clear: Somalia remains a priority. The EU’s current support is locked into the 2021–2027 budget framework, and discussions underway in Brussels on a potential €200 billion global aid package for the next cycle could elevate that cooperation to unprecedented levels. For Somali officials, the remarks offer a rare moment of certainty at a time when donor fatigue and economic turbulence have become global concerns.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the conversation. The Ambassador confirmed that the EU is preparing to back the new African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), describing it as a critical bridge for Somalia’s security transition. Since 2021, the EU has injected more than €100 million into training and equipping the Somali National Army — a contribution that Somali officers say has played a decisive role in improving battlefield capability as the country confronts evolving threats.
The Ambassador also acknowledged the quiet but consequential work of Somalia’s electoral authorities, who have been advancing preparations for Banadir’s first-ever direct vote. She underscored that the EU views this independent progress as a milestone in Somalia’s democratic journey and signaled continued support for efforts to build consensus around a nationwide “one person, one vote” system. For many Somalis, the transition toward a direct electoral model has become both a symbol of sovereignty and a test of institutional maturity.
On the economic front, the Ambassador pointed to opportunities hiding in plain sight. Somali goods already enjoy zero-tariff access to Europe, yet only a fraction of that potential is being used. Meeting EU agricultural and quality standards remains a challenge for Somali farmers and producers, but the EU reaffirmed that it stands ready to help build the systems, skills, and infrastructure necessary to move Somali products from local markets to European shelves.
Her reflections painted a picture of a partnership that stretches beyond grants and agreements. It is a relationship defined by long-term investment, trust built over decades, and a shared belief that Somalia’s resilience — tested repeatedly through conflict, drought, and political upheaval — deserves to be met with equal resolve from its partners.
For Somalia, the Ambassador’s message arrives at a pivotal moment. As the country prepares for new security arrangements, political reforms, and economic expansion, the EU’s reassurances function not simply as diplomatic niceties but as a stabilizing force, offering continuity in an uncertain world.