(1)

Consultations with the Republic of Burundi under Article 96 of the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part, signed in Cotonou on 23 June 2000, as last amended, were concluded by means of Council Decision (EU) 2016/394 (3). Appropriate measures, as specified in the Annex to that Decision, were taken following a proposal by the Commission in agreement with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘HR’).

(2)

Overall, the peaceful political process allowed by the general elections of May 2020 has opened a new window of hope for the population of Burundi and of opportunities for Burundi and for its relations with its partners.

(3)

Since then, the Union has acknowledged positive developments made by the Burundian Government with respect to human rights, good governance and the rule of law, as well as commitments taken in its roadmap (‘feuille de route’) towards further improvements in those areas.

(4)

A government committed to implementing the reforms necessary for the development and stability of the country has been established, and progress towards implementing the commitments laid down in Decision (EU) 2016/394 has been made.

(5)

In line with the assessment of the Commission, in agreement with the HR, the reasons for the adoption of Decision (EU) 2016/394, as set out in that Decision, are no longer relevant. That Decision should therefore be repealed on behalf of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States, meeting within the Council, for matters falling within the competence of the Member States.

(6)

Persisting challenges remain in the areas of human rights, good governance and the rule of law, and further progress by the Burundian authorities is needed, including through the implementation of the roadmap, in the framework of the ongoing EU–Burundi political dialogue.

(7)

Burundi remains fragile, and the authorities need the support of international partners to implement the country’s reform programme and development agenda.

(8)

The Union and the Member States, together with other international partners, should support the ongoing efforts of the Burundian authorities to stabilise and consolidate the democratic institutions, to promote human rights, good governance and the rule of law, and to implement commitments taken in its roadmap towards further improvements in those areas,