The Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels has condemned the European Union, along with Egypt, for issuing a statement that "resounds with colonialism and exclusive control rights" over the Nile River.

It also expressed his opposition to the joint statement issued by the European Union and Egypt, stating that it shows a "wrong, biased and aggressive stance against Ethiopia."

This statement, which is the continuation of the Addis Ababa-Cairo dialogue, which has intensified since the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, was issued on Friday, October 24, 2025.

The European Union said in a statement that Egypt "recognizes its high dependence on the Nile River" due to its "water scarcity." The EU, which expressed its support for Cairo's "water security and respect for international law," said this position "also includes the Ethiopian dam."

"The European Union strongly encourages transboundary cooperation between riparian countries based on the principles of early notification, cooperation and 'do no harm'," it said in a statement.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Brussels responded to this position, calling the statement "problematic and deeply regrettable."

It criticized the joint statement, saying it echoes Egypt's "colonial and exclusive rights" over the Nile River.