EU-Africa relations: time for a fresh start
Statement by Tomas Tobé, Chair of Parliament’s Committee on Development, following the publication of the EU-Africa strategy on Monday 9 March.
“The new strategy for Africa is a unique window of opportunity to reset EU-Africa relations and pursue long-term strategic interests for the EU and our African partners. The strategy recognises the strength and potential of the African economy and encompasses the use of EU financial instruments to boost and scale up investments in Africa to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This ambitious, comprehensive strategy must now be matched with concrete, action-oriented goals and coordinated efforts at the EU level.
Parliament looks forward to working together with the Commission and the European External Action Service to implement the strategy.”
Background
The European Commission has published its latest strategy, which should form the basis of a new partnership with the African continent. The strategy focuses on youth, the green transition and energy access, digital transformation, migration, sustainable growth and jobs, increasing trade, business opportunities and investments.