Development MEPs conclude mission to Zambia
A delegation of four MEPs from the Committee on Development undertook a joint Team Europe visit to Lusaka with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.
The four-member delegation was led by Committee on Development Vice-Chair Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana (Greens/EFA, DE), and was in Zambia from 19-21 June to examine the country’s development. The visit was the first time the Development Committee undertook a joint Team Europe mission with the Commission, led by Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen.
During their three-day mission, participating MEPs met with President Hichilema of Zambia, who restated the commitments he made when speaking to the European Parliament in 2022 to the country’s reform process. They also discussed with President Hichilema issues around critical raw materials, inequality and the debt agenda.
Meetings with the Speaker of Zambia’s parliament and the government’s anti-corruption commission made clear to MEPs that the fight against corruption is a top priority for the country, with tackling corruption key to ensuring resources are dedicated to sustainable development.
MEPs visited several EU-funded projects focused on climate friendly innovations - including smallholder agricultural farms, an integrated aquacultural enterprise primarily employing women, and an organic cotton plant focused on adding value and developing skills and capacity building. The projects were, MEPs felt, evidence of the tangile results of EU investment in Zambia, with the EU’s Global Gateway initiative set to play an increasingly important role in EU engagement in the region alongside encouraging private sector investment.
The delegation is composed of the following members:
- Pierrette HERBERGER-FOFANA (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair
- György HÖLVÉNYI (EPP, HU)
- Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE)
- Carlos ZORRINHO (S&D, PT)
Contacts:
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Eoghan WALSH
Press Officer