The Government of Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the European Union (EU), following the bloc’s decision to delay the signing of the 2025 Annual Action Programme (AAP 2025), a €156 million cooperation package.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said the postponement by the European Commission reflects a procedural step intended to allow for additional consultations between the two sides.
The government emphasised that the development does not amount to a suspension of EU assistance to Tanzania, nor does it affect programmes already approved and under implementation.
The clarification comes after the European Parliament adopted a resolution last week citing concerns over alleged human-rights violations in Tanzania.
The government noted, however, that resolutions of the European Parliament do not constitute the EU’s formal foreign policy and are not binding on partner governments.
“The management of official relations between Tanzania and the EU is conducted through the European Commission,” the ministry said, adding that the resolution does not alter the operational framework of cooperation between the two sides.
Tanzania expressed disappointment that the parliamentary debate was held without affording the government an opportunity to respond to the allegations raised.
It said such an approach falls short of the principle of fair hearing, which is widely recognised in global governance norms.
Despite the concerns, the government underscored that its partnership with the EU remains strong, crediting more than five decades of cooperation grounded in dialogue, respect and shared development priorities.
It reaffirmed that Tanzania, as a sovereign state, continues to engage international partners based on mutual interest and established diplomatic protocols.
The ministry called on the public to rely on verified information, dismissing social-media claims suggesting that the EU has halted development support to Tanzania.
It assured that the government and the European Commission remain in active contact to conclude the outstanding processes for the AAP 2025.