KATHMANDU: The newly-appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to aiding Nepal in various aspects of its development, with a particular focus on enforcing the Constitution and bolstering the federal governance system.

Ambassador Lorenzo expressed her commitment to assisting Nepal in achieving prosperity and outlined the EU’s continued support in areas such as quality education, climate change mitigation, sustainable development, energy sector advancement, enhancement of human rights, and the promotion of a more equitable society.

Highlighting the EU’s role as a significant development partner for Nepal, Ambassador Lorenzo recalled the EU’s decision to allocate 209 million Euros to Nepal for the period 2021-2024.

She expressed hope for extensive cooperation and collaboration from all stakeholders to successfully attain the program’s objectives.

Ambassador Lorenzo also outlined EU’s three key priorities for Nepal.

“Firstly, we are committed to investing in green recovery and clean energy,” she told journalists.

Secondly, she said that EU’s focus is on enhancing human capital through education, where “we have dedicated efforts for the past three decades.”

“While we have seen positive outcomes, improving the quality of education remains paramount.,” she added.

According to her, EU’s efforts extend to expanding access, promoting inclusion, and addressing broader educational issues.

EU’s third priority, she said, was to strengthen governance, particularly in supporting the implementation of federalism in Nepal.

In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of Nepal-EU relations next year, Ambassador Lorenzo highlighted her ambition to organize multiple events, aiming to create a “significant celebration”.

The goal behind these initiatives is to raise awareness about the EU’s formation and purpose, often misunderstood by the public, she added.