By Wallace Mawire
Union ((EU) together with its 450 million citizens on 9 May, 2025 celebrated Europe Day under the motto 'United in Diversity' with the EU Delegation in Zimbabwe hosting an event in Harare, Zimbabwe to cement and improve business and political relations with the Southern African country.
According to the EU Delegation in Zimbabwe, in a year marked by rising global tensions and evolving crises, the EU said it reaffirmed its founding values of human dignity.,freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, while stepping up its strategic resilience, including in the areas of security and defence.
The EU said it remained deeply engaged with its partners, including Zimbabwe, highlighting its commitment to sustainable development and private sector growth.
The year's EU Day reception in Harare has been themed::Global Gateway :Powered by the Private Sector. '
The EU at the reception in Harare said it remains firmly rooted in its founding values and central to the vision is its unwavering commitment to its partnerships, especially those built on mutual trust, shared values and long term collaboration, such as its relationship with Zimbabwe.
On the day also the EU reaffirmed and celebrated its enduring partnership with Zimbabwe.
In his EU Day address, EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann underlined the commitment saying Europe is open to cooperation fair trade and to a shared future that benefits both parties. The EU said this year's reception highlights the pivotal role of the EU's Global Gateway initiative in mobilizing sustainable public and private investment, including in Zimbabwe.
EU Day guests enjoyed a rich cultural celebration which featured gastronomy, music and artistic expression.
Also the popular '' European Village ' returned this year, hosted by the EU Ambassador alongside Ambassadors and Honorary Consuls from all 16 EU member states represented in Zimbabwe. The village showcased the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Europe.
A radio quiz series, 'Guess the Country', according to the EU will run over the next two weeks, offering listeners including in Zimbabwe the chance to win prizes while discovering fun facts about EU countries. The EU said the quiz will be accessible via the EU Delegation and EU member state social media platforms.
Europe Day is celebrated on 9th of May commemorating the Schuman Declaration of 1950.The EU motto is 'United in diversity' and the EU was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012.