About: EU-Africa relations
New EU-Africa pact must deepen trade ties, minister says
The EU and African Union must use a new ‘strategic partnership’ to deepen their trade and investment relations, participants agreed during a EURACTIV event focusing on what is likely to emerge from discussions between the two blocs.
Close EU-Africa relations more important than ever, says Socialist group leader
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong EU-African relations, Iratxe García, the leader of the Socialist and Democrat group in the European Parliament, told EURACTIV as her political group launched its Africa week (13-15 October).
The importance of engaging with Africa
To paraphrase the words of the American political activist Ralph Nader – if you’re not turned on to Africa, Africa will turn on you. Udo Bullmann is the S&D group Coordinator on the European Parliament’s Development Committee. Carlos Zorrinho is...
Pandemic highlights importance of EU-AU partnership
If there was any doubt about the importance of a strong relationship between Africa and the European Union they have been dispelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, says Samuel Outlule, Botswana’s ambassador to the EU and Belgium.
Pandemic has derailed EU-Africa strategy, concedes Borrell
Talks on a new EU-Africa partnership have been derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, conceded on Monday (21 September), as a key summit of the two sides has been postponed until 2021.
Countries seek removal from controversial EU ‘blacklists’
A number of countries, including Botswana, are putting pressure on the European Commission to remove them from the controversial ‘blacklists’ of tax havens and countries deemed not to be cooperating in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.
‘Sovereignty and solidarity’: Germany’s plans for the EU’s foreign policy
Solidarity and sovereignty is the name of the game for the German presidency, according to Foreign Minister Heiko Maas (SPD). In a speech on Monday, he emphasised the need for greater EU independence from the current geopolitical power struggle between the US and China.
COVID-19 has posed ‘stress test’ for EU-Africa relations
The coronavirus pandemic has been a ‘stress test’ for EU-Africa relations ahead of plans for an ambitious reset of political and trade ties between the two continents this autumn.
Towards a new Africa-Europe partnership after the Corona crisis
The EU must look beyond its borders and delivers the global leadership the coronavirus crisis demands, and shape a new partnership with its closest neighbour, Africa, in the process, argue the directors of the European Think Tanks Group.
EU unveils €15bn COVID rescue plan, but includes no new money
The EU unveiled on Wednesday (8 April) a support package worth €15.6 billion for African and other partner countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but conceded that it includes no new money.
COVID19 crisis reveals a need for change in EU/Africa relations
As the effects of coronavirus hit the African continent, the pandemic must mean an overhaul in EU-Africa relations, argue Marta Martinelli and Bram Dijkstra.
Europe must be the frontrunner to avoid Africa’s corona boomerang
It's in the EU's interest to step up humanitarian, social and economic aid and do whatever it takes to support African economies about to be hit by the coronavirus, writes Luca Jahier.
‘Put aid on the table’ to halt Nigerian killing
With the biggest economy in Africa, Nigeria should be a key partner for Brussels as the EU seeks to overhaul its political and trade ties with Africa. But terrorism and insecurity that plague the country continue to be a concern.
EU unveils ‘partnership plans’ for new Africa strategy
Partnerships on ten policy areas are at the heart of the EU’s plan “Towards a comprehensive strategy with Africa,” launched on Monday (9 March). The paper will start a seven-month negotiating process with EU and African leaders, with a view to agreeing a partnership agenda at an EU African Union summit in October.
Post-Cotonou delays complicate EU’s new African vision
The European Commission will next week publish its EU-Africa ‘strategy’, which the bloc hopes will form the basis of a new ‘partnership’ with the African continent. EU Foreign Affairs chief Josep Borrell will launch the blueprint on Monday (9 March), kick-starting seven months of negotiation between ministers and leaders from the two continents.
EU-Africa: in search of a genuine partnership
The European Commission is pursuing a renewed and ambitious relationship with the African continent. The new relationship is intended to treat Africa as an equal partner to Europe, as opposed to policy priorities being dictated to African partners. However, there...
It’s time for the EU to restart its partnership with Africa
Europe and Africa would benefit from a real partnership, but the EU needs to avoid being taken hostage by migration politics, argues José María Vera
‘Partnerships’ to be at heart of EU-Africa strategy, leaked paper reveals
The EU will seek to put a series of policy-themed ‘partnerships’ at the heart of its EU-Africa strategy which will be formally launched in early March, according to a leaked draft obtained by EURACTIV.
New chapter in EU-Africa relations can only succeed with support of civil society
Since the start of the new Commission, European leaders have switched gears to accelerate the advent of a new era of relations between the EU and Africa, writes Luca Jahier.
‘Geopolitical’ Europe could struggle to take shape in troublesome 2020
Among the many foreign policy challenges facing the EU in 2020, the main theme will be how to assert itself on the world stage against China, the US and Russia, while upholding multilateralism and at least a semblance of global order.
What if the world’s center of gravity had moved to Africa?
As Ursula von der Leyen prepares to make Ethiopia her first overseas visit, MEPs Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, Norbert Neuser and Carlos Zorrinho explain why the new Commission president must reach out to Europe's African allies.
Africa relations are ‘not equal’, leaders warn EU
As the field of competitors for investing in Africa becomes more crowded, the EU will have to quickly improve its offer. The challenge for Ursula von der Leyen's new European Commission will be to turn the so-called ‘partnership of equals’ promised by her predecessor into something concrete.
African migration is a ‘generational’ issue, say UN officials
The raw numbers of migrants may have fallen, but the migration of many African youth to Europe is set to continue. That is the message from top officials in the UN Development Programme.