European Union reportedly allocates €359 million budget support to health, education

The European Union (EU) has reportedly allocated €359 million to provide budget support to Zambia’s health and education sectors.

Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said the support was falling under the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for the period of 2021 to 2027.

Mutati said this on Thursday evening during this year’s Europe Day commemoration in Lusaka.

He also expressed gratitude to the EU for the technical and financial assistance it had continued to render to Zambia through the European Development Fund (EDF).

“Government remains committed to working closely with the international community, including the EU to combat climats change,” the minister assured.

Mutati added that this would be done while seeking practical and cost-effective measures to mitigate the negative effects of the scourge in Zambia and the world over.

He thanked the EU for the contribution towards the formulation of the National Green Growth Strategy 2024-2030.

“This is a landmark initiative aimed at transitioning the nation towards a green economy by fostering low-carbon, resource-efficient, resilient and socially inclusive growth,” Mutati said.

He highlighted that Zambia-EU relations had continued to foster sustainable economic and social development, Zambia’s smooth and gradual integration into the world economy, in order to reduce poverty across the country.

Mutati stated that the objectives were confirmed in the African Caribbean Pacific-EU Partnership Agreement, which governs the relations between Zambia and the EU.

“Zambia attaches great importance to her relations with the European Union, both at bilateral and multilateral levels,” he said.

Mutati commended EU Member States for their resolve and tremendous contribution to the consolidation of global peace, unity and economic and social development.

He said the EU continues to be one of Zambia’s important and long-standing development partner, based on the long history of shared friendship which had over the years culminated into increased cooperation in various fields such as energy, health, agriculture, education and good governance.

The EU celebrated its achievements of unity and long-term peace, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950.

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