The Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels has strongly condemned a joint statement issued by the European Union and Egypt, accusing the two of promoting “colonial-era attitudes” and “special rights” aimed at controlling the Nile River.
In a statement released on Saturday, the embassy said the EU–Egypt communiqué reflected “a biased and unjust position” against Ethiopia and disregarded the country’s legitimate interests in the use of the Nile’s resources.
The condemnation follows the release of a joint declaration on Wednesday after the first-ever EU–Egypt summit, in which both sides pledged to strengthen cooperation on issues including food and water security.
Ethiopia criticized the document, saying it failed to recognize the principles of equitable and fair utilization of the Nile and instead echoed Egypt’s long-standing position on the river.
Tensions between Addis Ababa and Cairo have persisted for years over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile that Ethiopia says is vital for its development. Egypt, however, views the dam as a threat to its water supply.
The embassy’s statement added that the EU should adopt a balanced approach that supports dialogue and mutual respect among Nile Basin countries, rather than taking sides.
About The Author
