The latest EU-AU summit in Luanda served to reaffirm multilateral relations, with a final declaration filled with objectives across multiple areas, but little on access to financing for Africa. Will the commitments hold in an uncertain geopolitical context?
What to Expect from Europe-Africa Relations as the New Year Begins?
The European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) closed the year with their 7th summit, held in Luanda. The final declaration highlights the commitment to defending free trade and regular migration, calls for global institutional reforms, and merely acknowledges Africa’s debt challenges. In the same declaration, both blocs pledge to combat illegal migration and human trafficking.
On the other hand, although no specific commitment was made, the declaration recognizes “fiscal efforts made by African countries to honor their debt obligations and liquidity challenges, acknowledging that high levels of indebtedness may hinder inclusive growth in many countries and limit their ability to invest.”
European and African leaders also underscored the defense of the international order and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this regard, the EU and AU express “unwavering support for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Sahel, and Somalia.”
Accelerating Investments and Reforming International Bodies
The EU and AU further agreed to accelerate investments in green energy, transport, and digital connectivity, setting the goal of providing clean electricity to 100 million Africans by 2030. At the same time, they committed to reforming the global health architecture, strengthening national systems, and supporting local African production of medicines.
The leaders of both blocs welcomed significant progress in implementing the EU-Africa Global Gateway investment package, worth €150 billion—a range of projects “aimed at supporting a strong, inclusive, green, and digital transformation of African countries.”
Regarding governance of international organizations, a commitment was made in favor of global reforms, covering the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations Security Council, and a new global financial architecture that effectively translates African representation. In a summary released by the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which currently presides over the African Union, it is emphasized: “support for the Pact for the Future and the reform of the UN Security Council, advocating a fairer WTO with greater inclusion of African countries, and recognizing the historical legacy of slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.”
25 Years of EU-AU Partnership
Under the theme “Promoting Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateralism,” the summit marked 25 years of EU-AU partnership, as well as 50 years of independence for Angola and several other African countries. Eighty delegations were present. João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chair of the AU (rotating mandate until February 2026), highlighted positive developments in EU-AU relations since the previous summit in Brussels in 2022. He pointed to “very positive” results in peace and security collaboration, health, climate and energy cooperation, digital transformation, trade, investment, and mobility and migration.
Support Against Terrorism in Mozambique
Mozambican President Daniel Chapo thanked the EU for its support in combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado province, “which primarily involves training and capacity building for the Defense and Security Forces,” while also emphasizing the AU’s commitment “to fighting this evil.” The resurgence of conflicts and the worsening of violent extremism and terrorism remain among the main challenges today, he added.
The European Parliament approved, in October, a resolution on renewing the EU-Africa Partnership, which praises “the contribution of the EU military assistance mission in Mozambique to restoring security in Cabo Delgado, while simultaneously highlighting the need to integrate human rights, community resilience, and good governance principles, to ensure lasting stability and local trust.” Stabilizing Cabo Delgado province continues to be essential for the development of the country’s natural gas megaprojects and consequent economic growth in the coming decades.
Editorial Text • Photo D.R.
