“The future of the EU's role in a multiplex world”: A conversation with EU Ambassador to Zambia Karolina STASIAK

On Friday, 28 March 2025, the College of Europe in Bruges hosted a distinguished guest, EU Ambassador to Zambia and Special Representative to COMESA, Karolina STASIAK, a College of Europe alumna (John Locke Promotion 2003-2004). Before her current role, Ms STASIAK served as Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Senegal and occupied various positions in the European External Action Service in Brussels.

The visit took place as the EU celebrates 50 years of partnership with Zambia, a like-minded partner which presents strategic interests for the EU. Traditionally aligned with the EU on the international scene (global peace and security, reform of the multilateral institutions), endowed with rich mineral resources and the government’s vision of private sector led development, Zambia has been supported by various partners and investors, including the EU through the Global Gateway, the G7 and the multilateral development banks. Confronted with the economic hardship resulting from a climate change induced drought, Zambia has been increasingly partnering with China, the Gulf and other countries. How do these various influences play out? How can the EU position itself in this multiplex environment? What is the role of EU Delegations?

Rector Federica MOGHERINI welcomed the speaker who was then be briefly introduced by Professor GSTÖHL, Director of Studies. The debate was be moderated by Professor Sarah WOLFF, Leiden University and College of Europe.

The event was hosted by the Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies and the European Union Diplomatic Academy and the Diplomatic Programme for the Enlargement Region.

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