EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel introduces our special supplement looking at EU-Africa relations. European Union’s High Representative writes that improving relations between Europe and the African Union is at the top of his agenda.
In the supplement, we look at how Europe and Africa can work together to tackle climate change. Beginning with an article outlining why European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans believes closer cooperation can deliver a cleaner, and brighter energy future for both continents.Security cooperation is also discussed, with Croatian European Parliament deputy Željana Zovko arguing that by helping to build military capacity with partners in Africa, Europe is investing in its own security.
The COVID-19 crisis has made delivering a new Strategy with Africa even more urgent, suggests European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, while German MEP, Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, says she believes COVID-19 has unexpectedly provided Africa and the EU with a unique opportunity to assess their relationship and develop a genuine partnership of equals.
French MEP Chrysoula Zacharopoulou explains why the recent European Week of Action for Girls was a great opportunity to build bridges between African and European women, while Polish deputy Anna Fotyga calls for a fresh and modern approach to European-African relations, calling on the EU to shake off its’ Big Charity’ approach to Africa and treat the continent like a true partner.A sentiment echoed by Belgian MEP Assita Kanko who argues that Africa must own its own future a fair chance in the world, something which Europe or any other continent and country wants.
Also, in the supplement we have articles from key African Union leaders including Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid who writes about the challenges of building a continental free trade area and the importance of developing a pan-African digital economy, Prof. Victor Harison The African Union’s Commissioner for Economic Affairs, , Stefan Nalletamby Director of the Financial Sector Development Department for the African Development Bank, John Omo Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union Albert Muchanga African Union’s Commissioner for Trade and Industry Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko African Union Commissioner for the Rural Economy and Agriculture and Amira Elfadil African Union’s Commissioner for Social Affairs.