The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) partnership has stood as a "model of intercontinental cooperation" in tackling global issues, fostering economic growth, and promoting stability, according to AUC Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi.
Speaking at Europe Day celebrations in Addis Ababa, Haddadi underscored the vital importance of this alliance in advancing Africa’s developmental aspirations, particularly as the continent progresses towards its Agenda 2063 goals.
During her address, the Deputy Chairperson emphasized that as Africa strives to achieve its long-term development objectives, the AU highly values its collaboration with the EU, a partner that recognizes and supports the continent's self-determined priorities and development trajectory. She stated, "For 25 years, the AU and the EU have stood together in addressing global challenges, fostering economic growth, and promoting stability across our continents. According to ENA, this partnership has evolved into a model of intercontinental cooperation, demonstrating what can be accomplished when Africa and Europe work together."
Haddadi further stressed the significance of this partnership in the current global climate, marked by geopolitical instability and challenges to multilateralism. She reiterated the AU’s appreciation for the EU’s support of Africa's Agenda 2063, noting that the African Union "appreciates partners who recognize and support our continent's own defined priorities and development trajectory."
Looking towards the future of the AU-EU relationship, Haddadi highlighted key areas of focus that emerged from the recent AU-EU Summit. These priorities include a shared commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future for both continents, a renewed dedication to fostering peace and security, an enhanced partnership addressing migration and mobility, and a firm reaffirmation of their commitment to multilateralism on the global stage. Reflecting on these, the Deputy Chairperson highlighted four key priority areas including, "building a prosperous and sustainable Africa and Europe, renewing commitment to peace and security, enhancing partnership on migration and mobility, and reaffirming a firm commitment to multilateralism."
In her concluding remarks, Deputy Chairperson Haddadi called for concrete and decisive actions to translate these shared priorities into tangible progress that will yield benefits for the populations of both Africa and Europe, finally calling for "concrete action to translate these shared priorities into tangible progress for both continents."