European Union in Eritrea

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‘’Russia- the world’s worst patron’’
Russia has long sought to present itself as a reliable partner and a source of stability beyond the West. But as pressure grows, the gap between its promises and its actions is becoming harder to ignore.
For many governments, today the question is whether a partnership with Russia is still a strategic and future-proof choice. A relationship built on instability, broken commitments, and shrinking influence looks increasingly less like a strategic asset and more like a strategic liability.

‘’Russia escalates attacks on civilians’’
Russia managed to occupy only a few square kilometres of Ukrainian territory in May 2026 - its slowest advance in three years. At the same time, it attacked Ukrainian cities 8,351 times - the highest number since March 2022. At least 274 civilians were killed and 1,763 injured: the highest toll since April 2022, and almost double the figure recorded in May 2025. When Russia cannot advance, it terrorises. Ukrainian civilians pay the price.

European Union Head of Delegation to Eritrea visits Orotta National Referral Hospital

On the morning of 18 June 2026, Ambassador Joanna Darmanin, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Eritrea, visited the neurosurgical operating room, the intensive care unit, and the paediatric centre in Wards B and D of Orotta National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea. During her visit, she met with the hospital’s medical management team and held discussions with senior and junior surgical doctors to gain a better understanding of the hospital’s status, needs, and priorities.

The European Union works in partnership with ASSITER – Associazione Italia Eritrea Onlus and the medical team at Orotta National Referral Hospital to strengthen healthcare capacity. This support includes specialised training for medical staff in neurosurgery, nursing and anaesthesia, as well as the provision and installation of advanced neurosurgical equipment and monitoring devices. The initiative also contributes to the upgrading of operating theatres and intensive care unit facilities, helping to enhance the quality and safety of specialised care.

The EU also supports Annulliamo la Distanza ODV ANLADI and the Orotta National Referral Hospital to strengthen the quality of services for neonates and children. This is being done by strengthening the capacity of health staff in paediatric emergency and trauma response, enabling them to manage cases more independently and effectively.

“Russia’s manpower myth”
Russia is assumed to have limitless manpower. In reality, its working age male population is eroded: low birthrates, high mortality, mass emigration and catastrophic battlefield losses over 1.3 million since 2022. To fill the gap: 27,000 foreign recruits from 130 countries. Many coerced or deceived to die for Kremlin's imperial delusions. Foreign recruits might buy time. But it is already clear: Russia is running out of men for the war and for the economy.

''Russian economy is slowing sharply, despite oil windfall''
Oil prices may have risen because of the Iran conflict, but they will not save Russia's economy. Windfall gains were significantly offset by a stronger currency and subsidy payments to oil companies and refiners.
In the first four months of 2026, Russia's budget deficit reached 5.9 trillion roubles, already far above the 3.8 trillion planned for the whole year. More than 200,000 businesses have closed since January. Interest rates remain high. Corporate debt has nearly doubled since the full-scale invasion. Labour shortages are persistent, taxes are rising, and domestic demand is falling.
EU sanctions, now 20 packages in force, continue to restrict Russia's access to technology, finance, logistics and energy markets, imposing long-term structural costs. Higher oil prices give Russia short-term breathing space. They do not fix the structural damage. The pressure continues

“Africa Day commemorated in Asmara”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the African Group, commemorated the 63rd anniversary of Africa Day on 13 June at Asmara Palace Hotel under the theme “Africa: One Heart, One Land, One Destiny.” The event was attended by Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, Ambassadors accredited to Eritrea, members of the diplomatic community, and other invited guests.
https://shabait.com/2026/06/14/africa-day-commemorated-in-asmara/
Photo: courtesy of the MoI

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