Will European Union visit DR Congo capital Kinshasa?

European Union officials are completing a visit to the DR Congo capital Kinshasa that began in early April to discuss the follow-up to the strategic partnership on critical minerals signed in October with the Congolese presidency of Félix Tshisekedi.

How does the EU help the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)?

The EU’s contribution to consolidation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is based on strong support for political, economic and commercial development in the country under the Cotonou Agreement.

How much money does the EU need to help the Congo?

In April 2010, the EU signed a financing agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo with a view to implementing an Aid for Trade programme (worth €16 million), which is now nearing completion.

How did the Democratic Republic of the Congo perform in 2016?

Trade relations: From 2010 to 2015, the Democratic Republic of the Congo went through a period of overall strong economic growth. Up until the beginning of 2016, this macro-economic performance contributed to continuing relative political stability, commitments to structural and economic reforms, and to mining exports.

Could the EU help finance Congolese germanium?

The EU would help finance the exploratory phase. Other players, such as the United States, are interested in Congolese germanium (AI, 01/09/23 ). But Europe's ambitions in this area could be undermined by the signing on 24 February of a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Rwanda on strategic minerals, which has angered the DRC.

How has the EU helped restore peace and democracy in the DRC?

Since then, work has begun on reform of the police and army. The EU has actively participated in the international community’s efforts to restore peace and democracy in the DRC through financial support for the constitutional referendum in 2005 and the electoral processes in 2006 and 2011, and by deploying substantial election observation missions.