EU and African Union ministers pledge to boost cooperation on peace, security and economy
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Foreign ministers from the European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace, security, and economic development. This renewed pledge came during the third ministerial EU-AU meeting held in Brussels, marking a significant step toward translating longstanding promises into concrete actions.
According to the European Council, the meeting reviewed progress made since the last EU-AU Summit in February 2022. The joint statement, delivered by the AU Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, emphasized the importance of defending multilateralism, international law, and inclusive global governance.
“It is important to sustain collective efforts to increase inclusiveness and effectiveness of multilateral institutions, with the UN at its core,” the statement said. “In the pursuit of peace and security, we have underscored the necessity of our continued cooperation.”
Both blocs also agreed to deepen economic ties by encouraging investments that promote inclusive growth and resilient markets across the two continents.
Co-chaired by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and Tete António, Chairperson of the AU Executive Council, the meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing global instability. Since their last gathering, the geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically. The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the outbreak of war in Sudan, and France’s withdrawal from the Sahel have reshaped EU-AU priorities.
Kallas emphasized the EU’s continued partnership with Africa, describing it as “first and closest,” even amid these challenges. She also acknowledged the growing challenge of misinformation campaigns, particularly those attributed to Russia in Africa.
“We have to fight the misinformation and foreign malign influence all the time,” Kallas said. “But that does not mean we give up. We still have to counter the narratives and fight the misinformation.”
As African countries like Mali, Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso grow closer to the Kremlin, the EU has begun revisiting its strategy for the Sahel. Kallas confirmed the appointment of a new EU Special Representative for the region and announced ongoing consultations with African leaders to shape a revised EU strategy based on local insights.
Wednesday’s gathering also marked a milestone for EU-AU relations as both sides prepare to celebrate 25 years of formal partnership. Ministers discussed ways to strengthen ties through enhanced collaboration in areas like critical raw materials, artificial intelligence, education, mobility, regional integration, and migration flows.
Kallas noted that over half of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy missions are based in Africa, and support to African partners via the European Peace Facility has exceeded €1 billion.
Amid worsening conflicts in Africa—including the civil war in Sudan and escalating tensions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—the EU reiterated support for African-led peace efforts.
“We continue to support the African Union in mediation efforts, regionally,” said Kallas. “All these processes in Africa have to be African-led and African-owned, even when there is mediation needed.”
Sudan’s conflict has become the world’s most devastating humanitarian crisis, according to a recent UN report. Over 30 million people need assistance in 2025, including 16 million children.
In the spirit of solidarity, Kallas praised the AU’s growing global presence, pointing to its 2023 admission as a full member of the G20. “We were the strongest advocate for the African Union’s membership in the G20,” she reminded African ministers.
With more than 70 delegations and 50 ministers in attendance, the Brussels meeting reaffirmed the importance of deepening cooperation in a rapidly evolving world. Both unions committed to advancing food security, climate change action, educational opportunities, and cultural exchange—paving the way for a renewed and results-driven partnership.
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