Europe
looks increasingly at Africa – but with new eyes. There is ambition to lift our
partnership to another level. We want to engage Africa’s youth are determined
to build their own future, ideally in partnership with others.
The
European Union wants to make sure we do this together: not for but with Africa.
This is also our approach in the proposal towards a new comprehensive strategy
with Africa. The Strategy is a start for an intense dialogue on our shared
priorities, with the finishing line at the European Union – African Union
Summit in October. At the Summit, we should jointly agree on concrete
deliverables to benefit the lives of African and European citizens alike. The
Summit should serve as a catalyst.
The
new EU leadership has put Africa at the very top of its agenda. The President
of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the
European Council, Charles Michel have been to Africa within weeks after taking
office. Last week we travelled to Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Meanwhile,
Africa is changing too and this change is driven by economic dynamism and the
world’s youngest population. Regional integration is also advancing: with the
African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the continent is aiming to create
the biggest trade area since the founding of the World Trade Organisation. Our
twin continent is indeed in many ways the place for the future: be it climate
change, digitalism, sustainable growth, fair economy and security, it is
Africa, where the globally important decisions are going to be taken.
Regrettably,
multilateralism is being undermined just when we need it most. The two biggest
trends shaping our world – climate change and the digital revolution – are
changing both continents. This is why Africa and Europe should stand up for a
model of international cooperation, based on rules-based multilateralism,
political freedom, solidarity and human dignity. Inclusivity will enable us to
harness the full potential of our citizens, including the youth and women.
Other
players are increasingly active in Africa. What is distinct about the EU, is
that we put human development and sustainability at the heart of our vision:
the right of people to shape their own lives in freedom and with their rights
protected.
Progress
in Africa is real, but there are still many challenges: enduring poverty,
conflicts and democratic rights are under threat. The expected doubling of
Africa’s population presents real opportunities but also demands action. We
need to be ambitious but also realistic and focused on what works.
The
key factor driving us to revamp our partnership is not our geographical
proximity, shared past nor personal links. What really drives our partnership
is our shared future and shared interests.
What
forms the essence of a future-oriented EU-Africa partnership? This week the
European Commission puts forward its proposal for a strategy for a partnership
with Africa. The agenda is built on the following building blocks:
1.
The Green transition and energy access. The climate crisis makes ambitious
climate action imperative. But the green transition is also a new growth
strategy. Let us work together to create green jobs in renewables and
sustainable urbanisation.
2.
The digital transformation. Africa is already embracing the digital revolution.
Look at the transformational effects of e-payment systems. Let us maximise the
potential to leapfrog and use the digital economy to drive economic growth.
3.
Sustainable growth and jobs. The economic dynamism in Africa is real. Working
together, we can unleash the potential especially of young people and women.
The ACFTA has the potential to be a game changer.
4.
Peace and governance. Silencing the guns was the theme of the last AU Summit.
As the AU steps up, the EU is ready to do more. The new European Peace Facility
will enable us to do more together. For peace to be sustainable, it must be
anchored in local political dynamics.
5.
Migration and mobility. It is a fact that migration is happening at
unprecedented scale – mostly within Africa. Demographic and economic trends
suggest it will remain a big feature on the Europe-African agenda. We need
comprehensive and balanced approach, based on partnership and joint
responsibility.
Above
all, Africa and EU need to be partners for multilateralism, defending a
sustainable vision of how to organise societies and the international order,
based on human rights and the SDGs, and engaging with youth. Precisely because
these principles are openly questioned.
We
are ready to take a leap forward in the Europe-Africa relations. Both sides
will need to invest in it. Europe for its part is ambitious and keen to discuss
with our African partners how we can shape our shared future together.
Josep
Borrell is EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and
Vice President of the European Commission.
Jutta
Urpilainen is European Commissioner for International Partnerships
