EU-African Union summit is crucial for both continents

European and African leaders come together today and tomorrow for an EU-Africa summit in Brussels with the goal of solidifying the partnership between the two neighbouring continents with a number of initiatives, agreements and investment pledges. The summit comes at a critical time for both continents and its results are crucial for future relations.

The EU seeks to increase its investment and influence in Africa, in the face of a growing Chinese presence there, and increased competition from a set of international actors such as Russia, the UK, Turkey and the United States.

In a departure from the regular summit format, leaders will convene in small roundtable groups based around themes — cybersecurity and counter-terrorism, inclusive growth, health and vaccinations, for example. Each session will be moderated by EU and African leaders, with external experts including IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva and Werner Hoyer of the European Investment Bank also participating.

The EU also seeks to create an orderly security architecture in Africa, particularly in the wake of a series of recent military coups in Western Africa and France’s decision to gradually withdraw from Mali. Migration and development are key themes likely to dominate the summit. Earlier this week, leaders of France and five Sahel countries held a two-day summit in Paris to discuss the G5-Sahel grouping's anti-insurgency operations amid mounting local dissatisfaction over the military-heavy approach that has failed to stabilise the poorly administered region.

The EU plans to unveil six initiatives at the Summit, including three investment packages, as part of what it calls a ‘Prosperous and Sustainable Partnership’. The first of these will be based around the Global Gateway initiative which promises infrastructure investment in energy, digital and environment projects.

 

Source: commonspace.eu with Euroactiv (Brussels), France24 (Paris) and Politico Europe (Brussels). 
 

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Paris and Berlin seek 'a more united Europe'

Paris and Berlin seek 'a more united Europe'

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Berlin today to discuss their vision for the future of Europe in light of the recent US presidential election, which Donald Trump claimed victory in. The meeting underlined their commitment to steer Europe towards greater unity, resilience and sovereignty amid evolving global dynamics.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Paris and Berlin seek 'a more united Europe'

Paris and Berlin seek 'a more united Europe'

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Berlin today to discuss their vision for the future of Europe in light of the recent US presidential election, which Donald Trump claimed victory in. The meeting underlined their commitment to steer Europe towards greater unity, resilience and sovereignty amid evolving global dynamics.