BRUSSELS (Chatnewstv.com) — Europe must build equal partnerships with Africa and the wider Global South while countering the rise of autocratic alliances, European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Wednesday.
Speaking after a European Commission meeting in Brussels, Kallas stressed that Africa remains central to the EU’s trade and investment outlook, even as the bloc deepens ties with the United States, Mexico and Mercosur.
“Everywhere we go, be it African countries or Asian countries, there is a huge interest in diversifying investment and trade portfolios,” Kallas told reporters.
“The European offer is very clear: we are coming to really have equal partnerships, not to deplete the resources that are there, but to see the mutual benefits for both sides.”
Kallas’ comments came as EU leaders faced questions about whether Brussels is overlooking Africa while expanding food market access to U.S. producers. The issue has gained urgency following last week’s summit in Beijing where China welcomed several African leaders alongside Russia, Iran and North Korea.
“While Western leaders gather in diplomacy, an autocratic alliance is seeking a fast track to a new world order,” Kallas said. “Looking at President Xi standing alongside the leaders of Russia, Iran and North Korea in Beijing today — these are not just anti-Western optics. This is a direct challenge to the international system built on rules.”
The Commission on Wednesday also announced progress on trade agreements with Mercosur and Mexico, as well as implementation steps for the EU-U.S. deal signed in July. Kallas said the pacts were about more than boosting exports and jobs.
“These agreements go beyond trade,” she said. “They are an example of the EU’s fundamental commitment to build alliances that protect both sides. We are reinforcing the EU’s global partnerships to boost resilience, defend shared values and uphold the rules-based international order.”
On the EU’s long-term financial outlook, the Commission proposed a €2 trillion budget for 2028–2034, with major increases in defense mobility and investment.
Asked what message the EU was sending to Mexico after approving an updated trade agreement, Kallas said: “It is a celebration of this agreement. We already have that relationship; we are deepening that relationship even further. It is a good message for the consumers on both sides that we are opening up our markets, so that there is access for companies, but also for customers to have more competitive products.”
