The Council of the EU considers that it is both in the strategic interest of the EU and Africa to deepen their long-standing partnership. It therefore fully supports the communication presented last April by the European Commission and European External Action Service to provide a new boost to this unique partnership between the two continents (see EUROPE 11781).
On Monday 19 June in Luxembourg, the Council confirmed its conclusions signposting the preparations for the 5th Africa/EU Summit in Abidjan on 29 - 30 November next on the theme of “Investing in Youth”. These conclusions were adopted in a backdrop to the meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers who debated the subject at length on 15 May last (see EUROPE 11788).
The EU is determined to capitalise on the results that have already been obtained by this partnership and underlines importance of a balanced and sustainable relationship that benefits both parties. This is being done in a spirit of ownership and shared responsibility and by drawing on the 2007 strategy founding the Africa-EU strategic partnership but also by being guided by the new situation represented by the universal programme for sustainable development up to 2030, the Paris Climate Agreement, the African Union’s 2063 Agenda, the EU’s global strategy and the new “European Development Consensus”.
The Council points out that the EU and its member states are Africa’s main partnership for investments, trade, revenues from African migrants sent to their home countries, development aid and humanitarian assistance, security and defence. They want to remain major partners but also go even further.
This involves the Abijan bilateral summit, including the work based on two priorities: creating more robust states and societies and creating more and better jobs – particularly for young people. The Council explains in writing that the EU and its member states are determined to contribute to action at continental, regional and national levels.
Obtaining concrete results requires a genuinely strategic and political relationship between Africa and the EU, explains the Council. In this regard, the EU is pursuing three political objectives: a mutual commitment, in several areas including global governance by way of more frequent political interaction and increased cooperation on the international scene, based on common positions, common values and shared interests; security on land and at sea and the fight against transnational threats, such as illegal arms trafficking, the trafficking of drugs and human beings, terrorism and piracy, as well as investment in security on the two continents.
The EU considers that investing in youth will help Africa and the EU meet the demographic challenge in Africa and better respond to the aspirations and hopes of future generations in Europe and Africa.
The EU fully supports investment in agriculture, the agri-business and the modernisation of these sectors in Africa – including family-based farming and by providing a place for women – the blue economy and technological developments and the information technology sector. Increases investment in quality education and training, particularly for girls and women, is another EU priority.
The Council highlights the importance of involving youth in the preparations for the summit and whilst the summit is being held.
It welcomes particular attention placed on Africa by the G-7 under the Italian Presidency and by the G 20, under the German presidency, by way of the initiative for a partnership with Africa. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)