This is not his first time to be in Ethiopia as he was based here between 1988 - 1989, as technical advisor at the then European Delegation, mainly responsible for regional issues involving Ethiopian Airlines, Ethio- Djibouti Railway and others.
Very much Italian in name, but “ German by blood and European by heart,” he returned to Addis Ababa on January 14th of this year, with his new title as Head of Delegation European Union to Ethiopia and Djibouti, and was accredited in just 24 hrs, which he views as ‘a record’.
His commitment with the European Commission for the last 30 years, in foreign relations services, has taken him to many countries in Africa, Latin America, Central Europe and the Caribbean, before he assumed his new assignment to Ethiopia. His last post was in the Dominican Republic.
Now, representing the 27 countries of the European Union in Ethiopia and Djibouti, he has engaged himself in “studying the country and its people,” before he voiced his presence to the media.
On “European Union Day” this week, 9th May 8, 2008, here in the metropolis, Capital’s Abiy Demilew had a moment with Ambassador Dino Sinigallia, Ambassador, Head of Delegation, European Commission to Ethiopia, for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

Boosting enduring ties with Ethiopia

Capital: Even though you were in Ethiopia 18 years ago, you seem really excited to be back …
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: Yes, I am very much pleased and excited to come back to Ethiopia, which I fell in love with some 18 years ago, and to meet some old friends.
I am also happy with my new assignment as [I consider] Ethiopia is not only a very interesting country, but also is the biggest partner in European Union and Africa-Caribbic-Pacific (ACP) relations.
Capital: Coming back after all these years, what is your impression about Ethiopia and Addis Ababa?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: Well, after such a long time I have witnessed the development of this country and also which direction it has taken towards development.
Addis Ababa is developing as an international capital city embracing the African Union, the European Commission for Africa, 19 embassies from the European Union, and more than 100 countries represented here including from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Central America, which is very important.
Capital: Now, you have got shared responsibility with in the same position as Head of the EU Delegation, in Ethiopia, and what are your specific responsibilities?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: Yes, we have now shared responsibilities in our delegation, and my responsibilities are focused only on Ethiopia and Djibouti. And in our delegation, we also have responsibility for the regional cooperation with Ethiopia, which means Ethiopia in the regional context, not in relation with the African Union.
Capital: How do you describe the current level of Ethiopia – EU relations and cooperation?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: I must say there are advancements on both sides, Ethiopia and EU. From our side, we are trying to give more responsibility for the partner who is implementing the project, which I believe is an important issue. On the Ethiopian side, the people whom we are working with are better prepared and ready to take on this responsibility.
18 years ago, with an approach on focused cooperation, it was mainly a project approach, which means we launch a project with foreign experts cooperating with some Ethiopians. But today, I found out that the situation is completely reversed and taken-over fully by Ethiopians. And if they need expertise advice or support, they would call for a short term assignment. This is the right way.
Generally speaking, the Commission is looking forward to move steps forward to give its financial support directly to sector bodies such as health and education. Setting a plan of action, the support needed, time frame, expected results and evaluations are very important in the Ethiopian – EU cooperation.
Capital: You are celebrating European Day this week. What is its significance for the current EU?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: May 9th, is an important day for the EU. After the deadly holocaust of the first and second world wars, in 1956, the then Foreign Minister of France told his parliament that, Europe should not go to war again and we should find a solution in order Europe should not go to war. And so, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg created what would we live into today’s European Union, which now holds 27 countries.
Today, we are a very big economic power and an internationally recognized political partner for the rest of the world. The biggest achievement is, even though each country has its own culture, tradition and language, we have created an association of 27 countries which is functioning. EU now represents 500million inhabitants
We introducing the Euro 10 years ago and it is now a very important currency internationally. We are the biggest international donors and vociferous fighters for the environment.
Capital: The world is suffering with dramatic food shortage and high food prices. What is the EU’s approach towards this challenge? Are you concerned?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: We are very concerned and we recognize this as a big problem. Last week the Secretary General of the United Nations, called for international aid for the poorest of the poor. Even though research is underway to locate the driving reasons for the food price increases, world economists agree on the increase of food consumption in certain countries in Asia. And secondly, the transportation price increase is lifting the fuel prices higher and this doesn’t help the poor at all.
The European Commission will surely help countries like Ethiopia, if the country calls for food aid, since we are paying attention to the situation. currently we are helping the Ethiopian government in stabilizing the market. We are ready to support in every possible way. But the main thing is that we have to think about a future of better production, transport facilitation and better commercialization
Capital: As a powerful economic and political power, are you playing your role the global scenario?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: Yes, I think so. We have partnerships with Asia, Africa, the US, Brazil and many others.
Capital: Are you optimistic about the future of the globalised world in terms of socio-political and human relations?
Ambassador Dino Sinigallia: I am and we are very optimistic about the future of the world. But what really scares me is the situation of the global environment. I think the new generation also needs to be more active in the preservation and protection of the environment. If the environment is to be secured, then I think we will have a brighter future ahead. But we should be acting today.