The foreign ministers of the EU27 want to promote the strengths of the EU-Africa strategic partnership so that the EU does not allow itself to be overtaken in Africa by Russia through what they have described as “Russian neo-colonialism”, on Wednesday, 31 August in Prague (Gymnich).
Summing up the informal exchange on Africa in the context of the war in Ukraine “which is impacting the world and many African countries”, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, noted that the EU is Africa’s leading partner in terms of trade, investment, development, cooperation for peace and security.
“We need them; they produce gas and they need us. This is the time to strengthen our partnership with Africa”, he said upon his arrival.
He stressed the importance of “coordinating initiatives to cooperate with African partners, because Russia uses food and energy as geopolitical weapons and Russian disinformation and interference is a cause for concern”.
Czech Minister Jan Lipavský added: “We have emphasised that we have to fight Russian propaganda, the Russian disinformation spread by Putin. There was talk about neo-colonialism”.
He said African countries should not forget that, while Europe is paying a high price, it also has many advantages, including technology and sustainable solutions.
“We can work on scientific projects with Africa, on energy projects to combat climate change. That is what we need to emphasise on the African continent”, he said.
On Tuesday, the French minister, Catherine Colonna, said she expected reciprocity from the Africans in implementing the EU/Africa partnership (see EUROPE 12894/1).
Making reference to the EU's financial commitments, she said: “African partners are expected to action their own commitments: support for multilateralism and support for an international system based on the Rule of law”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)