DILI, 29 May 2026 (TATOLI) — The Delegation of the European Union to Timor-Leste (EU) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (MNEC) have launched two landmark initiatives to, respectively, modernize the nation’s legal infrastructure, and to boost its sustainable economic growth.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said: “The new programmes show how closely prosperity and justice are linked. To mobilise private investment, it is essential to create the right conditions: transparent, fair and predictable – and a rule of law is a key part of that. Through Global Gateway, the European Union is working with Timor-Leste to build an environment where citizens are protected and entrepreneurs can grow and create jobs, leading to a better quality of life for all.”
Underlining the deepening strategic partnership between the EU and Timor-Leste under the Global Gateway investment strategy, the high-level ceremony marked the official signing of financing agreements for two programmes: ‘e-Governance for the Judicial System in Timor-Leste’ (e-JUS TL – EU funding EUR 6 million) and ‘Creation and Development of Sustainable Businesses and the Circular Economy’ (CRESCE – EU funding EUR 3 million).
The event was held on the occasion of the official visit to Timor-Leste of Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA). In their addresses, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Bendito dos Santos Freitas and Director Peteris Ustubs emphasized that these agreements mark an important step forward in alignment of EU development financing with Timor-Leste’s national development priorities. The Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, and the Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai signed the respective agreements on behalf of the Ninth Constitutional Government of the Republic of Timor-Leste.
The first major milestone of the morning was the signing of the CRESCE Financing Agreement. This initiative focuses on fostering private sector development, empowering small businesses, and promoting sustainable practices within a circular economy framework. Following the exchange of documents, the Vice-Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, delivered remarks highlighting how the programme will reinforce sustainable economic growth and entrepreneurial resilience across the country.
Directly following, the partners formalised the e-JUSTL Financing Agreement. This programme introduces critical e-governance systems to digitalize, streamline, and strengthen the transparency of Timor-Leste’s judicial framework. The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, addressed the assembled to underline how the platform will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of legal services for the Timorese population.
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