BRUSSELS (Chatnewstv.com) — The heads of the European Council and the European Commission emphasized the strength and future potential of the European Union-African Union partnership in an op-ed published Monday, just before the start of the 7th EU-AU Summit in Luanda, Angola.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the quarter-century milestone of the AU-EU partnership and the 50th anniversaries of independence for Angola and many other African nations.
Writing under the headline “One Partnership. One Future,” the leaders framed the relationship as a necessary, multipolar response to a fast-changing world grappling with shared challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and insecurity.
“Europe and Africa are bound by together in an increasingly fast-changing world that demands solidarity, innovation, and a common purpose,” they wrote. “The challenges we face today—climate change, digital transformation, irregular migration, conflicts and insecurity – know no borders. The response to this multipolar world must be multipolar cooperation.”
The op-ed stressed that Africa’s youthful population is its “greatest asset,” which, combined with “Europe’s experience, technology, and investment,” can tackle challenges to create “green jobs, driving digital growth, and ensuring no one is left behind.”
The leaders detailed the financial commitment behind the partnership, including the $160 billion (€150 billion) Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package.
“Through the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package worth €150 billion, our flagship projects are already transforming lives across the African continent,” the leaders stated, citing initiatives from vaccine production to digital infrastructure and sustainable agriculture.
They also pointed to significant climate and energy collaboration, specifically the “Scaling Up Renewables for Africa” campaign. This initiative, the presidents noted, “has already mobilized €15.5 billion to accelerate this transformation,” aiming to develop clean industries and bring electricity to millions.
In peace and security, the EU affirmed its role as Africa’s “closest ally,” providing over $1.1 billion (€1 billion) through the European Peace Facility and deploying 12 missions to support African-led solutions.
Furthermore, the leaders highlighted the vibrancy of educational exchanges, reporting that since 2022, “more than 30,000 African and 18,000 European students and professionals have exchanged knowledge and experience through EU-supported programmes.”
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, Costa and von der Leyen issued a clear call for continued unity: “As we look to the next 25 years, our message from Luanda is clear: Africa and Europe stand united in ambition, equal in partnership, and determined to unlock the full potential of our people, especially our youth.”
They concluded that the present time “is the time for a bold and forward-looking AU-EU partnership.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
