On Wednesday, foreign ministers from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) convened in Brussels to forge stronger partnerships focused on peace, security, and economic collaboration between their continents. The meeting highlighted the urgent need to transition from mere commitments to actionable strategies.
Pledges and progress on cooperation
This gathering, marking the third ministerial EU-AU meeting, assessed advancements made since the last EU-AU Summit held in February 2022. In a statement read by the deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, both parties reiterated their dedication to enhancing multilateralism and fostering international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law as the cornerstone of a just global order. The statement noted,
“It is important to sustain the collective efforts to increase inclusiveness and effectiveness of the multilateral institutions with the UN at its core; in the pursuit of peace and security, we have underscored the necessity of our continued cooperation.”
Moreover, the AU representatives expressed their commitment to bolstering economic links, nurturing resilient and integrated markets, and encouraging investments aimed at fostering inclusive growth across both regions.
Addressing geopolitical shifts and misinformation
Co-chaired by EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas and Tete António, Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, the meeting took place against the backdrop of significant geopolitical changes and regional volatility. Kallas reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to being Africa’s primary partner in cooperation, especially in light of the evolving political landscape since the last ministerial meeting.
During the meeting, Kallas noted the rising challenges posed by misinformation, particularly highlighting Russia’s influence in Africa. She stressed the urgency of countering this misinformation, stating,
“We have to fight the misinformation and foreign malign influence all the time, but it is, of course, increasingly hard. But saying that does not mean that we have to give up. We still have to counter the narratives and fight the misinformation.”
In response to the shifting dynamics, Kallas announced the appointment of a new Special Representative for the Sahel region, aimed at addressing the growing influence of external powers and developing a new strategy for the area.
The atmosphere during the meeting was notably amicable, as ministers engaged in constructive dialogue about strengthening EU-AU partnerships in a year marked by significant events for both blocs. As the EU grapples with the ongoing ramifications of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Africa is focused on resolving the conflict in Sudan and the escalating tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
With the EU committing over €1 billion to support African partners through the European Peace Facility, it is clear that a substantial portion of EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions are concentrated in Africa. The humanitarian crisis resulting from Sudan’s civil war has emerged as one of the most severe globally, with over 30 million individuals, including 16 million children, requiring urgent assistance this year.
Kallas reaffirmed, “We continue to support also the African Union in this (solving the crisis), when it comes to the mediation efforts, regionally. All these processes also in Africa have to be African-led and African-owned, even if there is mediation needed.”
The Brussels meeting brought together over 70 delegations, including more than 50 ministers, who outlined various priorities. These priorities included enhanced cooperation in critical raw materials, artificial intelligence, regional integration, and addressing migration flows. Additionally, the discussions emphasized key commitments to combat climate change, improve food security, and promote educational and cultural exchanges between the two continents.
As the AU celebrates its recent status as a full G20 member, Kallas reiterated the importance of this achievement, stating, “We were the strongest advocate for the African Union’s membership in the G20, for example.” This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the EU-AU partnership, with plans for a significant celebration at the upcoming EU-AU Summit in Africa, details of which are yet to be announced.