Since the establishment of the European Union Delegation in the Kingdom of Lesotho in 1976, our mandate includes managing and promoting friendly relations between the EU and Lesotho through diplomacy, political and policy dialogues as well as through our cooperation programmes. Our partnership with Lesotho is broad and comprehensive with a central objective of eradicating poverty through sustainable development and fair trade.

Over the years, the relations between Lesotho and the EU have evolved into a multi-facetted partnership encompassing political relations, trade and investment, academic and cultural exchanges as well as a large cooperation programme contributing to the creation of conditions for sustainable growth for all Basotho.  

A new cycle of cooperation with Lesotho began when the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 was adopted in December 2021. It translated into additional resources for the traditional focal areas of water, energy and governance, an increased emphasis on the inclusion of civil society to promote social responsibility and participation, gender mainstreaming, and the delivery of results when possible as ‘Team Europe’, i.e. with the participation of EU member states and institutions. Support under the EU's new cooperation strategy with Lesotho focuses on two priorities:

1. Transforming Lesotho into a green and resilient economy, and;

2. Promoting good governance and building a peaceful and just society.

The support being provided in these key areas is vital to both improving living standards for the Basotho people and ensuring a sound basis for sustainable socio-economic development.

While instruments and people change, our commitment to a fruitful relationship based on our shared values and for contributing to a peaceful, just and prosperous Lesotho remains steadfast.