EU Ambassador Ville Varjola Discusses Future of Iraqi-European Relations at RCD

During the seminar, the Ambassador highlighted the general relations between the European Union and the countries of the Middle East, noting that the EU has firm ties with Iraq and looks forward to developing them in a way that serves both parties. He stressed the goal of transitioning the relationship from one of friendship to one of genuine partnership. Mr. Varjola mentioned that the European Union contributed to the success of the recent Iraqi elections by sending international observers, asserting that the elections were held in a fair atmosphere and were an improvement on previous ones.
His Excellency stated that the European Union supports the formation of the next government according to the will of the Iraqi people themselves. He added that the EU also supports Iraq's stability, which he said can be achieved by moving away from arms, ensuring the peaceful transfer of power, fostering a culture of admitting mistakes, and renouncing the use of violence to resolve disputes or settle scores.
In a press conference held with Dr. Hassan Latif Al-Zubaidi, the Executive Director of Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD), Ambassador Varjola emphasized the need to focus on the youth demographic, solve migration issues, and open new avenues for engagement with the Iraqi people. He stated that Iraq must work seriously to make its environment favorable for investment. He affirmed that the European Union is committed to its pledges to support the reconstruction of liberated areas.




































































