United in Diversity: The EU Delegation to Zimbabwe Marks Europe Day 2026

Celebrating a Partnership Built on Shared Values

Europe Day, celebrated each year on 9 May, commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration - the founding vision that set Europe on a path from conflict to cooperation. Its motto, "United in Diversity," speaks to a universal truth: that unity is strongest when it embraces difference. In Zimbabwe, the occasion is an opportunity to reflect on a partnership with the EU that has spanned more than four decades, grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and a shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. This year's celebrations were honoured by the presence of Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Dr. Frederick Shava, as Guest of Honour.

In her address, EU Ambassador Katrin Hagemann reaffirmed the EU's role as a reliable, predictable, and trustworthy partner for Zimbabwe - one committed to cooperation on trade and investment, climate action, gender equality, governance, and youth empowerment. With total EU-Zimbabwe trade reaching USD 919 million in 2025 and Zimbabwe enjoying a positive trade balance of USD 328 million, the partnership continues to deliver tangible results for both sides.

Team Europe - Stronger Together

A defining feature of this year's celebration was the united presence of Team Europe. EU Ambassadors and Honorary Consuls of EU Member States stood together with Ambassador Hagemann, reflecting the collective spirit that characterizes the EU's engagement with Zimbabwe. Ambassador Hagemann warmly thanked her fellow Heads of Mission and Honorary Consuls for their invaluable commitment and contributions - without which this celebration would not have been possible. The same Team Europe spirit was on display earlier this year at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where the EU Pavilion was named Supreme International Exhibitor for the third time.

The European Village - A Feast of Culture and Diversity

Once again a firm favorite with guests, the European Village brought the diversity of EU Member States to life through gastronomy and cultural exchange. Each stand offered a window into a different corner of Europe - a vivid, tangible demonstration of what "United in Diversity" looks and tastes like in practice. The Village delighted guests throughout the evening and served as a joyful centerpiece of the celebrations.

A Surprise to Remember: The Ambassador and the Mbira

The highlight of the evening came as a genuine surprise. Ambassador Hagemann joined Zimbabwean artist Mary Anibal on stage for a performance on the mbira - Zimbabwe's cherished traditional thumb piano. In the weeks leading up to the event, Ambassador Hagemann had quietly taken up the mbira, learning to play as a personal act of cultural curiosity and respect. The resulting duet - two musicians, two continents, one melody - was a spontaneous and moving expression of everything Europe Day stands for. It drew warm applause and, for many, captured the spirit of the evening better than any speech could.

Thank You - To Our Partners, Guests, and Sponsors

Europe Day is made meaningful by the people who share it. The EU Delegation extends its sincere gratitude to all guests and stakeholders - government representatives, civil society, the private sector, international organisations, media, and cultural actors - who joined the celebrations and who, day in and day out, are the partners and friends with whom we build this relationship. Your presence, and your collaboration, is what gives this partnership its depth.

We also extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors whose generosity made this event possible. Our Platinum Sponsors - NMB Bank, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, and Ecobank Zimbabwe - provided outstanding support as key financial partners. Our Gold Sponsors - E-Branding Workx, Crown Bank, CABS, and Old Mutual - contributed generously to bringing the celebration to life. To all our sponsors: thank you for investing in this partnership.