It cited a peaceful political environment and progress by the Burundian government in several areas, including human rights and the voluntary return of refugees into the country.

It however noted that persistent challenges remained “in the areas of human rights, good governance, reconciliation and the rule of law".

The lifting of sanctions by the EU follows a similar decision by the US last year.

The sanctions were imposed in 2016 after then-President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to pursue a third term in office, which triggered deadly street protests.

Funeral of an opposition supporter killed anti-third term protests in 2015 in Burundi

Nkurunziza died in 2020 weeks after the election of Évariste Ndayishimiye, his preferred successor.

President Ndayishimiyewelcomed the EU's decisionand said the country was ready to co-operate with all partners.