The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Monday (November 24) advocated for more balanced partnerships with the European Union (EU), calling for the removal of barriers to European market access, a joint stance on African debt, and a climate adaptation plan. The statements were made at the opening of the AU-EU Summit, which runs until Tuesday in Luanda, Angola.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stated that the meeting takes place in a context marked by “polarization” and “international uncertainty,” worsened by the “scale of conflicts in the world” and the “security crisis in Africa.” For him, this scenario requires coordinated responses and a review of the current cooperation model between the two blocs.
In this context, Youssouf emphasized that “Africa continues to demand a seat at the table” among the world’s major decision-makers, a long-standing claim to the United Nations. The AU leader reinforced that the continent needs an active voice in global decisions that shape its development.
The AU Chairperson also highlighted shared challenges in the energy transition and industrial transformation, praising the EU’s Global Gateway investment program. However, he warned that “much remains to be done” to build a new financial architecture that does not marginalize African countries.
Youssouf added that any reform must simultaneously include African debt forgiveness and an effective climate adaptation plan. According to him, these steps are essential to ensure economic progress and greater resilience to climate change.
The seventh EU-AU summit focuses on “promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism.” The high-level meeting, the 25th between the two blocs, is co-chaired by Angola’s President João Lourenço and the President of the European Council, António Costa.
The EU is represented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while the AU includes the participation of its Commission Chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. The EU consists of 27 countries, and the AU comprises 55 nations, including Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
Source: Lusa
