Is Burundi an EU country?

Burundi is not a member of the European Union (EU). The European Union is a political and economic union that includes 27 European countries. Burundi is located in East Africa and is one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. It does not meet the geographical or political criteria for EU membership.

Burundi location and background

Burundi is a small landlocked country located in East Africa. Its neighboring countries are Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Burundi gained independence from Belgium in 1962, and since then the country has been plagued by political instability, ethnic conflicts and economic challenges.

European Union membership criteria

The membership criteria of the European Union are defined in the Copenhagen criteria, which were adopted in 1993. These criteria include:

  • Stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for minorities.
  • A functioning market economy and the ability to cope with competitive pressures and market forces in the EU.
  • Ability to introduce and implement EU legislation and standards.

Burundi does not meet these criteria, nor is it located in Europe, which is a basic requirement for EU membership.

Burundi-EU relations

Although Burundi is not an EU country, it has relations with the European Union. The EU is one of Burundi’s most significant donors of development aid. The EU’s development cooperation with Burundi focuses, among other things, on the following areas:

  1. Promoting peace and security.
  2. Supporting good governance and human rights.
  3. Reducing poverty and promoting economic development.

More information on the relations between Burundi and the EU can be found on the website of the European Commission: European Commission – Burundi .

Summary

In summary, it can be stated that Burundi is not an EU country, and it has no chance of becoming a member of the EU due to its geographical location and political criteria. However, the EU and Burundi cooperate through development cooperation and humanitarian aid, which helps to improve the situation in Burundi and promote sustainable development.