On Monday 24 November, the leaders of the European Union and the African Union (AU) defined the outlines of a renewed partnership between Europe and Africa at the opening of the seventh joint Summit in Luanda (Angola) (see EUROPE 13757/16). In an uncertain international context, the two blocs have clarified their aspirations: for Africa, the affirmation of sustainable economic development and enhanced political representation at the UN; for Europe, the reshaping of a historically complex relationship to give new strategic impetus to trade cooperation.
“50 years ago, the European colonies in Africa came to an end”, recalled the Portuguese President of the European Council, António Costa. “The European colonies have come to an end, but unfortunately the effects of colonialism have not, and this must inspire us to work together, because only together can we work for peace and prosperity through multilateralism”, he continued.
“We now have a genuine partnership between continents, between peoples. A partnership that goes far beyond our two Unions, also involving civil society, parliaments, the private sector and, above all, our young people”, declared Mr Costa.
“Our role as a simple supplier of raw materials will soon come to an end”. On the African side, according to the President of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Summit is “an opportunity to reflect on [a] common destiny” between Europeans and Africans.
Mr Youssouf reiterated the continent’s desire to be better represented on the United Nations Security Council and to see the international financial architecture reformed. “In a context of increased international polarisation, Africa must take a stand”, he stressed.
“Our continent is counting on Europe to step up investment in structuring projects: corridors, energy transition and agro-industrial transformation, which must progress through the ‘Compact with Africa’ or ‘Global Gateway’ [the EU’s investment initiative, Editor’s note]”, he declared.
“Our role as a simple supplier of raw materials will soon come to an end”, he warned. “This is why we are calling for more balanced trade partnerships”, he added, arguing for a European commitment to the processing of minerals on the continent and calling for “the removal of any tariff or non-tariff barriers hindering the access of African products to the European market”.
Business forum. On Monday morning, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, opened a business forum in Luanda, stating that the “solid and mutually beneficial” partnership proposed by the European Union aims to encourage investment with a high local impact, in particular by promoting job creation.
“It is time to take our partnership even further and expand our business cooperation. We want to hear from you. The sectors you want to focus on, the barriers you face and the opportunities you see ahead”, said Mrs von der Leyen. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)