Preparations are progressing in the European Commission and the European External Action Service on the deepening of the Africa-EU Partnership.
Two events will give substance to this strategic priority: the meeting of the European Commission and the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa (seat of the African Union) on 27 February and the new ‘EU with Africa’ strategy, which is due to be presented on Wednesday 4 March by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
In parallel, negotiations are continuing between the EU and the 79 ACP (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) countries for a modernised post-Cotonou partnership. All these elements illustrate the geopolitical ambitions of the von der Leyen Commission and the increased ambition of the EU on the international scene, underlined the Dutch Ambassador to the EU, Robert de Groot, on Monday 3 February at a conference organised by the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) on the premises of the Permanent Representation.
“This is a partnership of equals that must adapt to new circumstances, which means closer political cooperation and commercial ties, more foreign direct investment, and an active role for governments and all non-state actors”, he said.
He cited as priorities: strong political cooperation, the fight against climate change, growth and employment, investment, free trade, peace and security - with the necessary solidarity in the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, development (health, education), and a common approach to migration (see EUROPE 12386/3).
Chloe Teevan, Head of the External Affairs Programme of the ECDPM, stressed the value of developing an EU strategy with Africa at a time when “the EU’s diplomatic impact is marginalised on certain issues in its vicinity”. But also at a time “when African countries have changed their positioning, and when China, Turkey, Russia, Japan, and now the United Kingdom are showing increased interest in Africa”.
The sustainable development goals and the African Union’s 2063 agenda should guide this strategy. She cited as key emerging themes: 1. the defence of multilateralism; 2. peace and security; 3. migration and mobility; 4. jobs and growth, trade, investment, and education; 5. climate, environment, and biodiversity; 6. digitalisation.
“The Commission will present its vision for Africa. It must consult with Africa (governments, business, civil society) and show European leaders that we are listening to them at the AU/EU summit in Brussels at the end of the year” (see EUROPE 12390/3).
Recalling the Commission’s desire for a partnership of equals that is in the interest of both sides, she stressed the importance of climate as an internal EU priority as enshrined in the Green Deal. However, given the divergence of views at COP25 in Madrid on climate between developed (including the EU) and developing countries on loss and damage, she argued that the EU should flesh out the external dimension of its Green Deal. “One of the challenges of the next few years will be to better integrate this political issue into all foreign policy”, she said. The idea is dear to Germany (which will take over the rotating EU Council Presidency in July), she stressed. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)