In 2025, the European Union (EU) continued to play a pivotal role in supporting Somalia’s transition from crisis to sustainable development, working across key sectors including governance, justice, security, and economic recovery. As one of UNDP Somalia’s longstanding partners, the EU has contributed to nationally owned programmes such as Joint Police Programme (JPP), Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP), and the Women Media Project, Bilan media that strengthen institutions, expand access to services, and promote inclusive growth across all Federal Member States.

In this interview with UNDP’s Communications Specialist Kamal Raj Sigdel, the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro reflects on the EU’s evolving priorities in the country, the impact of its partnership with UNDP, and the opportunities ahead. She underscores the importance of linking governance and economic development, highlights key achievements from 2025, and reaffirms the EU’s long-term commitment to supporting Somalia’s path toward stability and prosperity.

Excerpts:

Q1. What are the European Union’s strategic priorities in Somalia, and how is your approach evolving to support the country’s development?

European Union’s priorities in Somalia continue to focus on security and political and financial governance, while increasingly placing emphasis on economic recovery and job creation. Security remains fundamental, but it must be reinforced by strong institutions, particularly in areas such as justice and public financial management.

At the same time, we are scaling up investments in economic activities to help unlock Somalia’s potential, especially for the vast majority of young people. Through skills development, investment in education and production sectors, and collaboration with institutions such as the Somali Development Bank, we aim to support economic stabilization, create opportunities, and strengthen resilience. Economic growth is essential not only for prosperity, but also for enabling communities to better withstand shocks, including those linked to climate change.

Our approach reflects Somalia’s transition from crisis to development. We are pursuing a more integrated model, combining governance reforms with economic opportunities, and bringing together government-led and community-driven efforts to ensure that progress at the institutional level translates into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Q2. Looking back at 2025, how would you assess the impact of the EU–UNDP partnership in Somalia? What stands out for you as a longstanding partner?

The EU-UNDP partnership has delivered tangible results across Somalia, reaching all Federal Member States and ensuring that no region is left behind. Together, we have implemented impactful programmes in policing, justice, media, and community development. It is worth mentioning that all initiatives are not only aligned with SDG 5 and 16 but implemented in close coordination with the government in line with the National Transformation Plan.

Key achievements include support to police reform, through infrastructure rehabilitation and community policing, and improvements in access to justice, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. These initiatives have directly benefited communities and have been positively recognized by Somali authorities. New areas of collaboration, such as support to women in media through Bilan project, further reflect our shared commitment to inclusive development and gender equality.

What stands out most is the strength of the partnership itself. This is not outsourcing, but a genuine collaboration built on trust, shared values, and long-term engagement with institutions and communities. The results we see today are the outcome of sustained cooperation and a shared vision for Somalia’s future enshrined on our common objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals.

Q3. Looking ahead, what are the key priorities for the partnership, and what message would you like to share with the Somali people and stakeholders?

Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this strong foundation by further integrating governance improvements with expanded economic opportunities. Ensuring that stronger institutions deliver tangible benefits for citizens will remain a central focus. Infrastructure development will also be an important priority, given its role in supporting local stability and enabling economic growth.

At the same time, we will continue to explore innovative approaches that combine top-down and bottom-up efforts, ensuring that development is both nationally driven and locally grounded.

The EU remains a committed and long-term partner to Somalia. For decades, we have stood alongside the Somali people, supporting both institutions and communities, and we will continue to do so. We are optimistic about Somalia’s future, and we believe that sustained investment in people, inclusive development, and strong partnerships will contribute to lasting peace and prosperity.