Strasbourg, 17 February 2022
Today, the leaders of the European Union and the African Union will gather in Brussels for the sixth EU-AU summit. Ahead of the conference, the European Parliament held a debate on the relations between the two organisations.
Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Željana Zovko called the summit an opportunity to lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper partnership. “We should move away from the old donor-recipient mentality and head towards a partnership on equal footing. More and more external actors find their way to Africa. We require an EU strategy that will increase our visibility and preserve our achievements,” Zovko stated.
According to Zovko, the EU should, as economic partner, actively support regional, economic and political integration in Africa to boost economies and education, foster job creation and enable sustainable development.
The MEP also reacted to the security situation on the African continent and the recent uprisings and coups d’état and on behalf of EPP, Zovko negotiated a resolution on the political crisis in Burkina Faso. “Next to the effects on the local economy, the life of citizens and the institutional stability, the deteriorating situation in the Sahel creates a breeding ground for terrorist and extremist organisations that are already active across the region.”
This morning, French President Macron announced the coordinated departure of French and European allied troops from Mali. Zovko stated that although nobody can predict the consequences of this decision, as a security partner to Africa, the EU should be cautious not to allow extremists to take the upper hand. She called on the creation of conditions for stability and peace in the wider region so the African countries can take ownership of their own security. “African stability leads to European security,” Zovko added.
In her intervention on Burkina Faso, Zovko called on the military leadership to continue working on the transition process and to return to a democratic system with respect of a constitutional order and called for the immediate release from house arrest of President Kaboré. “The protection and safety of civilians is one of the key tasks of any government. Human rights should be respected,” she said.
The authorities in Burkina Faso play a crucial role in combatting terrorist organisations and in facilitating the work of humanitarian organisations. Zovko stated that in both aspects, the country benefits from close partnership with the international community. “With a shared history and facing the same global challenges, Africa is and will remain a key partner of the EU.” She concluded.