The idea of a new mechanism for monitoring the commitments made by the African Union (AU) and the European Union was brought up at the meeting of Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) on Wednesday 9 April, a European diplomat told Agence Europe.
The many promises and declarations of intent, in particular those made at the last EU/AU Summit (see EUROPE 12894/1), are struggling to be followed up in the absence of a framework structuring the dialogue beyond ministerial meetings and major summits, which are more episodic.
“The idea is to create a mechanism that ensures concrete follow-up, for both sides, and that institutionalises our relationship a little more”, explained the diplomat.
According to this source, several EU countries support the proposal, although it is not expected to be on the agenda of the meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for Monday 14 April.
On the other hand, such a monitoring mechanism could be developed for the ministerial meeting between African and European leaders scheduled for Wednesday 21 May in Brussels. It will prepare the 7th EU/AU summit (see EUROPE 13608/15), marking 25 years of partnership. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)