EU Releases €9 Million in Budget Support to Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU:  The European Union (EU) has disbursed €9 million in budget support to the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

According to an official statement, the disbursement is in recognition of Somalia’s achievements in maintaining macroeconomic stability and implementing critical reforms in public financial management.

This payment is part of the EU’s Somalia State and Resilience Building Contract (SRBC II) and aims to strengthen the Somali government’s capacity to mobilize domestic revenue, promote fiscal federalism, and expand public education services through initiatives like the National Teacher’s Initiative.

EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Karin Johansson stated that the disbursement reflects the EU’s commitment to supporting Somalia’s efforts in financial accountability and transparency.

“The disbursement signals the EU’s strong support of Somalia’s progress in managing its public finances and highlights the EU’s dedication to the EU-Somalia Joint Operational Roadmap,” she said.

Somalia’s Minister of Finance, H.E. Bihi Iman Egeh, welcomed the EU’s budget support, stating that it provides essential funding to drive key financial reforms and improve the delivery of basic social services across the country.

“EU budget support provides essential funding and assistance to the federal government to implement key financial governance reforms and significantly enhance the provision of basic social service delivery in Somalia,” the finance minister said.

Since 2018, the EU has provided a total of €101.4 million in budget support to Somalia through SRBCs. This support has played a crucial role in helping Somalia reach the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Completion Point and strengthen core state functions.