Africa-Press – Gambia. The European Union (EU) has reiterated its firm commitment to deepening cooperation with The Gambia, pledging continued support for democratic governance, economic development, and human capital advancement.
The assurance was delivered by EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Imma Roca i Cortes, during a press briefing on Thursday, 23 October 2025, where she highlighted the EU’s ongoing and future collaborative initiatives with the country.
Ambassador Cortes described The Gambia as a “steadfast partner”, noting that the EU remains proud to accompany the country on its path of transformation and reform, despite global economic and political challenges.
She emphasized that the EU’s engagement is centered on democratic consolidation, good governance, economic growth, and the promotion of human rights. Between 2021 and 2024, the EU allocated €108 million to support The Gambia’s national priorities, including security sector reform, constitutional transition, and sustainable development.
Cortes also noted that the EU’s cooperation strategy prioritizes green, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, particularly by promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship.
“We were here before 2017; however, 2017 was the turning point because the EU understood that we have to welcome the Gambia into the new democratic family. So it is from 2017 that there is an increase in cooperation with the Gambia,” Ambassador Cortes explained.
Under the 2021–2027 programming cycle, the EU has earmarked €212 million for The Gambia to finance both ongoing and new projects aimed at strengthening governance, economic resilience, and social protection systems. Part of this funding focuses on human development, including vocational training, social protection programs, and institutional capacity building. In the agriculture sector, the EU aims to boost productivity, strengthen value chains, and improve national nutrition outcomes.
Earlier in 2025, the EU launched a €10 million Youth Empowerment Project to promote job creation and opportunities in tourism and the creative industries. On migration, Ambassador Cortes disclosed that the EU is preparing to sign a €15 million agreement to combat human smuggling and trafficking, while supporting safe and regular migration pathways in partnership with the Spanish Red Cross, Belgium’s Cooperation Agency, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
“We are going to be working with the Spanish Red Cross, Belgium, the cooperation agency, and IOM,” she said.
Ambassador Cortes underscored the importance of preparing The Gambia for a new phase of EU cooperation—one that enhances the country’s attractiveness to private investors and international financial institutions. “The Gambia and us together, we can make it. That is what we are going to be looking at from 2028 forward.”
The European Union, a bloc of 27 member states, remains a leading global actor in trade, diplomacy, and development cooperation. Its partnership with The Gambia continues to focus on advancing democracy, human rights, and sustainable development as key pillars of national progress.
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