Resolution on renewing the EU-Africa Partnership: building common priorities ahead of the Angola Summit
The European Parliament adopted by 367 votes to 98, with 113 abstentions, a resolution on renewing the EU-Africa partnership: building common priorities ahead of the Angola Summit.
The text adopted in plenary was adopted by the EPP, S&D, Renew and Green/EFA groups.
New strategic partnership of equals
Parliament called for a renewed and forward-looking EU-Africa partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests and the understanding that both continents need each other and are stronger together. In a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing global insecurity, including rising extremism and cuts in development and humanitarian spending, closer cooperation between the EU and Africa is more essential than ever. Members stressed that genuine partnership based on joint multilateral action is the most effective way to eradicate poverty and promote peace, prosperity, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, sustainable trade and human development. They reaffirmed that the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs must serve as the common compass of the renewed EU-Africa partnership.
The EU is called on to step up its concrete actions and strategic communication and visibility across Africa. Parliament underlined the importance of institutionalising the parliamentary dimension of future EU-AU summits as an integral component of their framework, in order to ensure citizen representation, public oversight and a democratic contribution to the deliberations and outcomes of the partnership.
The resolution called on the 22 EU Member States and the 66 African partners who have not yet ratified the Samoa Agreement to do so without delay, to move it from provisional application to full entry into force. The Commission is urged to conduct, without exception, thorough impact assessments and stakeholder consultations, including with African counterparts directly impacted by EU legislation.
Peace, security and good governance
The resolution expressed profound concern about the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation across the Sahel region, in particular Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, where large areas remain under the control of armed groups and civilians face widespread displacement and food insecurity. Members condemned Russia’s destabilising strategy in the region, including its decision to absorb the Wagner Group into the government-controlled Africa Corps, its disinformation operations and its predatory resource acquisition practices.
The EU is called on to step up its efforts to promote peace, security and stability across the African continent to strengthen EU-Africa security and defence cooperation. Concern is also raised about China’s growing political influence in Africa and the expansion of its global initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative.
Sustainable development and growth, trade and infrastructure
Parliament supports the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) as a driver of continental integration and called for the EU to provide technical and financial assistance for its institutions, customs harmonisation and private-sector readiness.
The resolution also backed scaling up the EU’s external financing instruments (e.g., Global Gateway, NDICI-Global Europe) to support sustainable projects in Africa. The Commission, the EEAS, the Council and the Member States are called on to ensure that the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package delivers tangible results by aligning projects with African priorities, preventing unsustainable debt, supporting poverty eradication and promoting human development in line with the SDGs and treaty obligations.
Parliament called for a dedicated EU strategy for engagement in fragile contexts under the future Global Europe instrument, integrating political dialogue, peacebuilding, humanitarian aid and development action, while stressing the need for ring-fenced humanitarian aid in the next multiannual financial framework. Members also called for the creation of a dedicated EU-Africa industrialisation pact under the joint auspices of the AU, the EU and regional development banks, to mobilise public and private capital, which would ensure that Africa is not just a source of raw materials, but a hub for processing, manufacturing and innovation.
Way forward
While welcoming the holding of the seventh EU-AU Summit in Luanda as a significant opportunity for African and European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the EU-AU partnership, Parliament called on participants to seize this occasion to announce measurable commitments for the next five years, notably through the adoption of a joint action plan for 2025-2030, a roadmap to double Africa-EU trade and investment by 2030, and a renewed joint framework on digital transformation and green energy partnerships.
Lastly, the resolution commended the European Parliament’s decision to open an office in Addis Ababa in order to follow closely the activities and decision-making processes of the AU and its Pan-African Parliament.