12 May 2017

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Alexander Baum says while the economic and political elites in Europe believe the EU is the best thing that ever happened to Europe, many believe it is the EU that is to be blamed for all the challenges Europe is facing.

Addressing guests at the 60th Europe Day celebrations at the EU residence on May 9, Mr Baum said it was disturbing as voters seemed inclined to follow populists politicians and their simplified messages.

He, however, said the recent rise in populism and nationalism was not unique to Europe, adding that they were still trying to understand what drives the trend.

Chief among the possible reasons, Mr Baum said, was communication technologies which have developed much faster than peoples’ ability to adapt their behaviour.

He added that voters have not only an unprecedented access to information, but were also targeted systematically for manipulation and misinformation.

Mr Baum, however, said functioning democracies required that voters had access to correct and reliable information to make their own judgement and develop their opinion.

He said the most unfortunate consequences of Euro skepticism was the outcome of the referendum on the EU membership held in the United Kingdom last June that led to the decision of the UK government to leave the union.

“Nonetheless, we have observed that the union of 27 has since become more united than the general public is aware, and despite all attempts of manipulation and false analysis, the recent elections in the Netherlands and France have not confirmed that Eurosceptic governments are taking over and the union might disintegrate”, he said.  

Ambassador Baum maintained that the EU would continue to attract more members, adding that the union was there to stay.

The EU ambassador said relations between the union and Botswana, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), would continue to be strong, dependable and friendly.

He noted that since last year they have signed economic partnership agreements with six SADC countries, including Botswana.

“We now have to work out how the opportunities created by the economic partnership are translated into real investments and economic growth. We are currently reviewing with the government our cooperation programme under the 11th European Development Fund which should provide the assistance to support equitable economic growth that helps to provide sustainable jobs,” he said

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Kenneth Matambo said Botswana continued to be inspired by Europe’s development trajectory, which was underpinned by strong commitment to the universal principles of democracy, good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights.

He said it was indisputable that the shared values served as a strong foundation for any progressive nation or regional entity.  

Mr Matambo said it thus comes as no surprise that Europe remained a dominant and prosperous regional bloc.

He said the EU’s role in addressing the current global challenges relating to terrorism, organised crime, human trafficking, human rights violations, political conflicts, the effects of climate change and others, deserved commendation by all peace-loving nations.

On other issues, Minister Matambo said while Botswana has attained the status of upper middle income country, it was gratified that the EU appreciated the challenges that it continued to face in its development efforts.  ENDS