The EU Delegation to Eswatini is responsible for managing and promoting friendly relations between the EU and the Kingdom of Eswatini. These relations cover diplomatic and political relations, development cooperation, economic and trade relations as well as other areas of mutual interest between the two partners. The central objective of this partnership is to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty through sustainable development, the progressive integration of Eswatini into the world economy and the promotion of the rule of law, democracy and human rights.

For the period 2021 – 2027 EU development cooperation with Eswatini under the EU Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) focuses on the priority area of Human Development and Social Inclusion with the goal of assisting the country’s youth. Concretely, the MIP focuses on empowering the disadvantaged youth and women with skills, income generation and employment through a series of interventions to improve access to formal and non-formal education and the quality and relevance of the TVET (technical and vocational education and training) system.

His Excellency, Mr Karsten Mecklenburg, is the EU’s Head of Delegation and Ambassador. He has a team of dedicated staff working in the following sections:

• The Ambassador’s Office comprising the Head of Delegation, the Political Officer and a team of supporting staff responsible for political coordination, and press & information.
• The Cooperation Section is managed by the Head of Cooperation, who works with a team of Project Officers. This section is responsible for development cooperation with the Kingdom of Eswatini through EU-supported projects implemented in almost all sectors of Eswatini’s economy.
• The Finance and Contracts Section ensures accountability in the Delegation’s use of European taxpayers’ money.

• The Administration Section is responsible for the daily functions of the Delegation.