A flourishing partnership between Africa and Europe can be founded only on the fundamental principle that humanity is one. This implies that the prosperity and well-being of one continent is inextricably bound up with the welfare of the other. While many endorse this proposition in principle, reshaping structures and relationships between both continents according to the reality of global interdependence will require sustained and sincere effort. The Africa-Europe relationship is often described as a partnership, but the existing relationship does not yet reflect this ideal. Many of today’s economic and political systems were created at a time when the primacy of one part of the world was considered a basic fact. Further, European geopolitical objectives and the economic interests of large multinational companies continue to weigh heavily on the relationship. 

Overcoming the complex effects of this reality will require that the voices of those most affected by decisions be placed at the core of the relationship. It will also require resisting the tendency for any one region of the world to consider itself a model for others to follow. Policy frameworks which largely associate prosperity and success with, for example, the experience of urbanisation and industrialisation in the global North will need to be re-evaluated. A meaningful partnership, then, requires the recognition that both continents are on a common path of learning, with neither having perfected a paradigm of prosperity that is sustainable and furthers global justice. These principles will have implications for all areas of policy, requiring attention to the root causes of problems, not just their superficial symptoms. In this connection below we outline several specific areas that require attention, in which the contributions of civil society can bring value to and strengthen the relationship between the African Union and European Union. 

Governance, Peace and Multilateralism

The need to focus on root causes is particularly relevant in the domain of governance and security. A fundamental value, deeply entrenched in both African and European civil societies and young people, is respect for human life and dignity. We note with deep concern the growing prevalence of violent conflict in different parts of the world. Governance arrangements, from constitutional structures to practical policies, must seek to protect human rights, and respect the rule of law, both domestically and internationally. Existing instruments to tackle conflicts, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture, must be better utilised in support of these aims. Further, it is imperative that youth, women and persons with disabilities are systematically included in conflict prevention, peace mediation, peace building, diplomacy efforts, as outlined in Resolutions 2250, 1325, 2475 of the United Nations, and the EU’s Youth Action Plan. 

The absence of adequate social protection and public services, and a lack of educational and employment opportunities, contribute to distrust towards governments and create fertile ground for the spread of extremist ideologies and terrorism. In addition to providing such services and opportunities, the EU, AU and Member States should prioritise proactive efforts to promote social cohesion and prevent conflict in inclusive, participatory and trust-based partnerships with civil society and communities themselves. 

Effective multilateral governance, and efforts to promote peace and well-being, will require spaces that allow a variety of African and European actors to engage jointly at different levels, spaces in which an open and rich conversation about respective experiences, needs, challenges, and opportunities can unfold. The proposed AU-EU Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (CSEM) is one such space that can perform a convening function, facilitating interaction and engagement between actors on both continents. It is especially important that those at the grassroots have opportunities to engage with institutions at various levels, to ensure that policy and strategy made at the intercontinental level promotes joint priorities, that flagship initiatives resonate with local realities and possible existing solutions, and that no one is left behind. 

Food Systems and Rural Transformation

Fulfilling the right to food for all requires just, sustainable and resilient food systems that are defined by people, rooted in food sovereignty, and shaped by planetary boundaries. The foundation for such systems already exists, in the family-based, territorially embedded, small-scale, diversified food provisioning modalities that feed the majority of the world’s people, especially in Africa. However, their potential is held back by the dominance of a corporate and industrial, globalised food provisioning model, which receives disproportionate political attention and support. 

Redesigning food systems in ways that promote shared prosperity and ecological balance will require supporting democratic policy decision-making rooted in a human rights framework by enacting the proposed Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (CSEM), reinforcing the role of the UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and respecting international rights-based frameworks such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants. 

We call for: shifting financing towards the agroecological transition and reducing African dependency on food imports by prioritising EU investments and funding for peasant agroecological food production and developing modalities for channelling funding directly to small-scale producers through their organisations; defending peasant seeds and people’s access to and control over land; protecting territorial food markets from imports that undercut local products; prohibiting the production and export of highly hazardous pesticides and promoting bio-fertiliser production; applying a gender lens to all food and agriculture activities and investments and, ensuring that EU policies and practices do not undermine food and nutrition security in any partner countries, particularly policies in areas of debt, climate, trade, agriculture and fishery policies and corporate due diligence. 

Climate and Energy

The climate, environmental and biodiversity crises are global but the impacts are local. Addressing climate change and environmental degradation requires that the advancement of the global common good be approached as a primary objective, one no less important than securing national or regional interests. The EU and AU must meet and go beyond international commitments to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Leaders and policymakers in Africa and Europe are confronted with a critical question in considering the merits of any proposed action on climate and energy, be it national or international: will a decision advance the good of the population in both continents, and indeed the whole world? 

Finding integrated solutions that reduce dependence on fossil fuels, promote climate adaptation, protect biodiversity, and embrace a just transition for all will require inclusive decision-making processes that involve affected communities and stress the connection between environmental sustainability and social equity. Closer engagement with the grassroots, including through the proposed CSEM, will allow for a more thorough understanding of the impact of policies adopted in one continent on another. Such engagement is necessary to empower local communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples, CSOs, women and rural populations, so that they can lead on the governance of biodiversity, climate initiatives and their delivery. 

Migration and Mobility

The question of international migration cannot be addressed in isolation from the broader relationship between the two continents. Any framework claiming to address migration cannot shy away from looking at the continuously widening economic disparity existing at the global scale, the generation, distribution and utilisation of wealth, the organisation of the world’s raw materials, or the coordination of markets. After all, it is impossible to minimise the drivers of migration while neglecting to reconsider economic processes that leave some countries with little chance to prosper. European policymakers in particular must reflect on the inadvertent effect of their policies, whether foreign, trade, investment or environmental, on the socio-economic conditions that drive the flow of individuals across borders.. 

Further, it is imperative to reframe the narrative around migrants from one that presents them as a burden or even threat, to one that emphasises the manifold contributions they make to the life of the societies to which they migrate. This principle requires that the African and European Unions work more closely together to enhance migration and mobility cooperation as a legitimate process with high developmental potential, with European policies that are more responsive to African demands, including opening new channels for regular migration. One practical implication of this is the need to review visa regimes which disproportionately burden African citizens. The provision of academic visas, for example, should be reviewed in order to bolster exchange programmes for students, professors, and researchers. Increasing integration between African and European youth through youth networks, associations, and platforms will also help to facilitate cultural exchanges, enhance collaboration and cultivate a sense of global citizenship and responsibility among young people. 

The protection and equitable treatment of those in need, such as refugees and displaced persons, should remain a common priority. In this regard, systems to oversee the work of asylum and border agencies must be strengthened in order to address the unjust and sometimes illegal treatment of individuals attempting to cross borders. The criminalisation of those who act in solidarity with migrants must be avoided. 

Human Development through Health and Education

During the 2022 AU-EU Summit, health emerged as a key political concern, not least in the context of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health remains fundamental for sustainable development, and it is thus crucial to maintain this focus in the delivery of the Partnership’s commitments. Efforts have been made to boost local production of health products in Africa, but progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has been slow and investments in infrastructure and skilled personnel in the health sector are still desperately needed. Upholding Africa's health sovereignty is paramount, along with promoting a rights-based approach to health, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and gender equality. 

Access to quality and inclusive education at all levels from early childhood, to primary, secondary and higher education, including technical, vocational education and training is equally essential. Steps must urgently be taken to ensure universal access to education, regardless of socio-economic background, ethnic or national origin, gender, or disability. It is also crucial to decolonise education systems to reflect African countries’ unique context, realities, and challenges. Emphasis must be placed on delivering affordable, accessible, high-quality education that equips youth on both continents with the necessary skills and competencies to thrive in and shape a rapidly changing world. Considering current and projected shortages, particularly on the African continent, investing in infrastructure, educators’ training and professional development, salaries and working conditions is of the utmost importance. 

Significant domestic and international investments are needed to strengthen health, public education and social protection systems, including by expanding the fiscal space of African countries through debt relief. 

*** 

The challenges facing the AU-EU partnership are only likely to increase in range and complexity. Embracing the adjustments in thought and action outlined above will facilitate significant steps towards the sincere and mutually beneficial relationship which both partners have called for. 

 

Signatories / Signataires 

– ACT Alliance EU

– ActionAids

– Justice and Dignity for the Women of Sahel 

– Africa Europe Faith Justice Network AEFJN 

– African Women's Development and Communications Network (FEMNET) 

– African Youth Commission

– AfroLeadership 

– All Africa Conference of Churches

– Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) 

– Bahá´í International Community

– Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA-K)

– Caritas Africa 

– Caritas Europa 

– Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS) 

– CIDSE 

– CONCORD Europe 

– Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung (DSW) 

– Food and Agricultural Youths Institute of IAAS 

– Independent Continental Youth Advisory Council on AfCFTA (ICOYACA) 

– Network of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa (CIDH Africa) 

– Observatoire Kisal Bénin 

– One Hour for Europe ITALIA/Youth Intra Dialogue on Europe and Africa (OHFE/Y-IDEA) 

– PELUM Zambia 

– PMU Sweden 

– Red Cross EU 

– Single Mothers Association of Kenya (SMAK) 

– Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)

– Syndicat UMT Maroc 

– Tanzania Association of Non-Governmental Organizations TANGO 

– Vienna Institute for International Cooperation and Dialogue (VIDC)

– WaterAid 

– Wetlands International 

– West African Network of Peasants and Agricultural Producers (ROPPA)

– YEWGlobal Foundation 

– Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA)

– Youth Senate Kenya