About: EU-Africa relations
‘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.
Africa offers a test to von der Leyen’s ‘geopolitical Commission’
The field competing for influence in Africa is becoming increasingly crowded. Under Ursula von der Leyen, who has billed her new European Commission as a ‘geopolitical Commission’, the EU will have to improve its offer to African leaders, and quickly.
EU countries to give Sudan €466 million in grants, aid
European Union countries will give Sudan €466 million in grants and humanitarian aid, the state news agency SUNA said on Wednesday (30 October) after an EU delegation met Sudan's foreign minister in Khartoum.
EU-Morocco: stage set for a new partnership
EU/Morocco relations have enjoyed a resurgence after a period in the doldrums. Now they can move forward towards an ambitious partnership, writes James Moran.
EU launches talks on new African trade pact
The European Commission announced on Wednesday (2 October) the launch of negotiations with the five-nation Eastern and Southern African community on a new wide-ranging trade agreement.
No reset on EU-Africa relations under von der Leyen
Speculation that Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen could appoint a Commissioner specifically for Africa turned out to be much ado about almost nothing, if her team of Commission nominees unveiled last week is anything to go by.
Morocco moves closer to ‘privileged’ partnership with EU
Morocco has moved closer to its goal of obtaining a ‘privileged relationship with the EU’ following successful talks between foreign minister Nasser Bourita and the EU’s foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini.