The Tanzanian government has said a vote by two committees of the European Parliament on proposals related to the 2025 Development Cooperation Programme between Tanzania and the European Union does not represent the final position of the European Parliament.
In a statement issued on June 3, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said it had taken note of the vote conducted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development. According to the ministry, the proposals were adopted at the committee level with 81 votes in favour, 1 against, and 4 abstentions.
The ministry sought to clarify the significance of the vote, stating that it forms part of the European Parliament’s internal decision-making procedures and that the process has not yet been concluded.
“First, today's vote forms part of the internal decision-making procedures of the European Parliament. At this stage, only the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Development have considered and voted on the proposals relating to Tanzania,” the ministry said.
It noted that proposals adopted by parliamentary committees must still be submitted to the plenary of the European Parliament, which comprises more than 700 members, for debate and a decision.
“Consequently, today's vote represents only one stage of an ongoing process and does not constitute the final position of the European Parliament on the matter,” the statement said.
The ministry also said relations between the European Union and its partner countries, including Tanzania, are conducted through the European Commission, which serves as the EU’s executive arm.
It said recommendations adopted by parliamentary committees or by Parliament itself are transmitted to the relevant executive institutions for consideration and action in line with established procedures.
“In this regard, the recommendations adopted by the parliamentary committees should not be construed as a direct decision determining the future of relations between Tanzania and the European Union. The matter remains subject to the European Union's internal processes and has not yet reached a final stage of decision-making,” the ministry said.
The government further sought to reassure the public that relations between Tanzania and the European Union remain strong and continue across areas of mutual interest.
According to the statement, Tanzania and the European Union maintain established mechanisms for consultation and dialogue through which issues concerning their partnership are discussed and addressed.
The ministry said the Tanzanian government remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the European Union for the benefit of both sides and in support of shared development objectives.
