EPP Group proposes new partnership with Africa

The EPP wants to reset Europe’s Africa policy: more EU-backed investment in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, climate resilience and jobs, more opportunities for European companies, closer cooperation on combating terrorism and disinformation, and a meaningful cooperation on migration built around returns, readmission and possible return hubs.

This is the message of a Position Paper adopted by the EPP Group yesterday. The paper calls for a renewed partnership between the EU and Africa, underpinned by the vast opportunities for both sides, bringing greater growth and stability.

"With this Africa strategy, the EPP Group sets out a renewed course and commitment towards a true partnership of equals, one that moves beyond the donor-recipient model and unlocks the vast mutual opportunities, from renewables and critical raw materials, to education and trade," said Ingeborg Ter Laak MEP, who authored the document. 

"In a time of geopolitical tumult, the EU must become more visible, strategic, and united in Africa, matching our continent's ambition with the political weight it deserves," Ter Laak added. 

For the EPP Group, a common objective for both the EU and Africa should be to transform the way Africa and Europe produce, distribute, and consume food. The EU must continue to share solutions to the challenges that directly affect Africans and Europeans. These include disruptions in energy, fertiliser and transport markets.

The full potential of the EU-Africa partnership has remained untapped for far too long. The EPP Group wants to advance this partnership based on trust, reciprocity, shared responsibility, solidarity, mutual benefit, respect and equality, the document insists. 

The full version of the Position Paper is available at this link.