Relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union

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Publication Date 2018
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The relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union were launched in 1982 and are governed by the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement (the so-called Cotonou Agreement).

In February 2002, the Council of the European Union decided to impose restrictive measures against individuals and companies that were considered responsible for human rights violations in the country. The measures - including a travel ban, an asset freeze and arms embargo - were gradually removed throughout the years, as a new Constitution was adopted and the human rights situation improved.

The EU also maintained so-called 'appropriate measures' in place between 2002 and 2014. These consisted of the suspension of all direct development cooperation with the Government and its reorientation as direct support of the population in the social sectors, democratisation, respect for human rights and the rule of law, implemented through international agencies or civil society organisations.

Despite the difficulties, the EU never imposed what can be described as 'trade sanctions' on Zimbabwe. The country signed an Economic Partnership (EPA) in 2009, which was ratified and entered into force in May 2012. After the period of hyper-inflation in 2008, trade between the EU and Zimbabwe picked up again.

A selection of sources covering trade, humanitarian and political relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union.

Source Link Link to Main Source https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1867/
Related Links
BBC News: Timeline: Zimbabwe http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14113618
European Sanctions [Blog]: Zimbabwe https://europeansanctions.com/category/zimbabwe/
SIPRI: EU arms embargo on Zimbabwe https://www.sipri.org/databases/embargoes/eu_arms_embargoes/zimbabwe
European Commission [Fact Sheet, April 2018]: The EU's long standing development cooperation with Zimbabwe http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-2961_en.htm
EEAS: European Union Delegation to the Republic of Zimbabwe https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/zimbabwe
European Commission: DG International Cooperation and Development: Zimbabwe https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/countries/zimbabwe

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