As Rwanda and the European Union (EU) marked Europe Day in Kigali on May 8, officials delivered a clear message: at a time of rising global tensions, conflicts, and growing nationalism, stronger diplomacy and international cooperation are more urgent than ever. The celebration became both a reflection on decades of EU–Rwanda partnership and a call to defend peace, stability, and multilateralism in an increasingly uncertain world.

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The celebration held at the residence of the EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, and civil society representatives to mark another milestone in the EU–Rwanda partnership.

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Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe, said the rise in conflicts and nationalism across parts of the world, including Europe, serves as a reminder that peace and prosperity should never be taken for granted.

"As we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge the complex realities of our time. Uncertainties, conflicts, and the rise of nationalism, including in Europe, are sobering reminders that peace and prosperity are never guaranteed,” he said.

Nduhungirehe noted that the changing global landscape requires renewed diplomacy and stronger international cooperation to safeguard the progress achieved over decades.

"It calls for renewed commitment, innovation in diplomacy, and collective resolve to safeguard stability and security. The European project itself has historically evolved through moments of crisis,” he added.

The minister praised the growing partnership between Rwanda and the EU, describing it as increasingly diverse and grounded in shared priorities around sustainable development and global cooperation.

"We are pleased to see that our cooperation is grounded in shared interests and a common commitment to sustainable development and global cooperation,” he said.

He also commended the EU’s contribution to Rwanda’s development agenda through initiatives such as the Global Gateway strategy, reaffirming Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening ties with Team Europe in pursuit of shared ambitions.

Amb Uyarra said Europe Day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the origins of the European Union, but also to reaffirm its founding values in an increasingly uncertain global context.

Reflecting on the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European integration 76 years ago, she noted that it was built on the idea of transforming historic rivalries into cooperation through shared economic and political interests.

"The European Union was, from the beginning, more than an industrial project. It was a project of shared prosperity, proving that divided nations can come together through interdependence,” she said.

The EU diplomat said the principles underpinning the EU - peace, democracy, unity, diversity, and multilateralism - remain especially important at a time when geopolitical tensions and uncertainty are increasingly shaping international relations.

"Peace must never be taken for granted. Only a political path can lead to lasting peace,” she said.

Turning to EU–Rwanda relations, the ambassador described the partnership as one built on dialogue, trust, and co-creation, noting that cooperation has deepened across sectors including investment, health, infrastructure, and innovation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

"Four years in Rwanda have taught me a great deal about what partnership means: continuous open dialogue, respect, consistency, and trust. The EU’s approach is increasingly focused on investment-driven development, with over €1 billion mobilised through Team Europe in support of Rwanda’s transformation agenda,” she said.

"Global Gateway places the private sector and investment at the heart of our partnership, helping drive Rwanda’s transition from aid to trade.”

Amb. Uyarra also emphasised the importance of youth engagement, saying future cooperation must ensure that young people are not only beneficiaries of development, but active co-creators of solutions shaping long-term systems.