EU Suspends 2025 Funding to Zimbabwe Over Controversial PVO Bill
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The European Union (EU) has announced the suspension of its targeted 2025 funding to Zimbabwe’s government, citing concerns over the recently enacted Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act and a perceived failure to uphold governance commitments.
EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann confirmed the decision on 12 April 2025, highlighting Zimbabwe’s significant debt burden of over USD 21 billion. “It is disappointing to see that Zimbabwe has not upheld its own commitments under this process, particularly regarding the expansion of civic space,” von Kirchmann stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The EU had been supporting Zimbabwe’s Structured Dialogue Framework, a platform designed to address the country’s debt challenges while promoting democratic reforms. However, the passing of the controversial PVO Amendment Bill has led to the suspension of this support.
The EU criticised the government for rushing to enact the PVO Bill without completing consultations with civil society organisations, describing the move as reinforcing “negative trends in governance.” Von Kirchmann added, “The enactment of the PVO Amendment Bill, without concluding consultations to address the concerns of civil society organisations, has further reinforced negative trends in governance. As a consequence, the European Union has decided to discontinue its planned targeted 2025 funding in support of the government’s good governance initiatives.”
Despite the suspension, the ambassador noted that the EU remains open to reconsidering its position if the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to meeting governance targets.
The decision has sparked widespread reactions on social media. Prominent journalist Hopewell Chin’ono described the law as “draconian,” thanking the ambassador for speaking out. “Sadly, most of the US$21 billion you mentioned has been looted!” Chin’ono remarked.
Other users highlighted the potential economic and political consequences of the EU’s decision. Tapiwanashe Chiriga
commented, “This was obviously coming but the ruling elite would rather have us wallow in debt than free up democratic and civic space.” Another user bluntly stated, “It’s going to be a hard year for Zimbabwe.”
However, not all reactions were critical. One user dismissed the news, claiming, “Targeted funding was actually going to NGOs so nothing to worry about.”
The suspension of funding has reignited debates about governance, transparency, and the role of civil society in Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
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