A new chapter in EU-Africa partnership

Europe is seeking to open a new chapter in EU – Africa partnership, by fostering relations with its “sister continent” as Ursula von der Leyen called Africa, during her second visit to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
“We share many of today’s challenges. Together, we can turn the green and digital transformation of our economies into opportunities for our youth,” said the Commission President.
On Thursday, a record number of 19 Commissioners, along with EU’s Foreign Policy chief, Josep Borrell traveled to the capital for a meeting with their African Union counterparts.
The EU visit delivers a “strong message and a strong sign,” according to the Commission’s Chief, as the bloc seeks to foster partnership with the continent. EU’s lending arm, the European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to spend €4 bn in Africa this year on infrastructure and social programs.
“EIB is committed to working with African partners to accelerate and expand new investment that delivers sustainable development, tackles the climate emergency, creates jobs and improves lives across Africa,” said the bank’s President Werner Hoyer.
The promotion of sustainable growth and jobs, green transition, digital transformation, peace, security and good governance, mobility, migration and multilateralism, are some of the key challenges the two continents share and that will top the meeting’s agenda.
During their political dialogue, EU officials will also consult their AU counterparts on the Integrated Strategy for Africa, which is expected to be presented at the beginning of next March, within von der Leyen’s first 100 days.
The meeting marks the beginning of a consultation process that will lead up to the EU-AU Ministerial meeting in May 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda, and the upcoming EU-AU Summit in October in Brussels.