The Council of the EU reaffirms, in conclusions adopted on Tuesday 30 June, the paramount importance of a strengthened partnership between the EU and Africa in order to jointly address common challenges for the benefit of both continents.
These conclusions stress that "a prosperous, peaceful and resilient Africa is a key objective of EU foreign policy" and that the European Union and the African Union are already linked by a unique partnership. They also note that the EU is already Africa's leading partner in trade and investment, security, energy, green transition, development and humanitarian assistance and in implementing the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development by 2030.
"The EU is determined to strengthen this relationship with African States and the African Union and to build a stronger political partnership, based on mutual interests and commitments, reciprocity, shared responsibility and joint action, which responds to both European and African aspirations", the EU Council emphasises.
It considers that the joint communication 'Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa', presented in March by the Commission and the European External Action Service, provides an excellent basis for launching an ambitious new partnership with Africa (see EUROPE 12442/1).
The next EU-AU Summit, scheduled for October in Brussels, will be a pivotal moment to renew a common overall strategic approach that responds to these aspirations.
The EU Council considers that it is in the EU's interest that this closer partnership should focus on : - multilateralism; - peace, security and stability; - sustainable and inclusive development to jointly address global challenges such as climate change, green transition, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, global health and gender equality; - sustainable economic growth (trade and investment between Europe and Africa can create jobs and sustainable growth on both continents).
According to the EU Council, the Covid-19 pandemic has further demonstrated the need for a global response and a strong EU-Africa partnership and the recovery is an opportunity to rebuild better, greener and more resilient societies.
As part of a common strategy based on common objectives, the EU looks forward to intensifying an open and inclusive exchange with citizens, civil society, the diaspora, youth, the private sector and high-level thinkers and decision-makers from both continents, the EU Council said.
The European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, opened this exchange with civil society on 30 June, with the first virtual debate led by young people and citizens on the involvement of European and African youth in the future decision-making process.
This online stakeholder consultation launched a series of dialogues on different aspects of the Africa-EU partnership, with the participation of European Commissioners to feed into the reflection up to the October summit.
To read the EU Council conclusions: https://bit.ly/3im6qXK (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)