A round of introductions and a challenge to characterize the EU-AU Partnership set the tone for a light convivial moment, where priorities for the year ahead were also discussed.

The occasion also allowed all to celebrate the host country’s New Year - Enkutatash, as Ethiopia, on September 11 marked the first day of 2017, following their civil calendar. The Ethiopian “Ge’ez” calendar is 7 to 8 years behind the common Gregorian calendar and it derives from a different calculation of the date for the birth of Jesus Christ. It is composed of 12 months of 30 days and 1 additional month of 5 or 6 days, following the old Catholic Julian calendar rule for the leap years.

We wish all a happy new year ahead!