Year XXXIX, Number 1, March 2026

Timothy Namitego

Advocate of the High court of Uganda.

The African Union–European Union (AU– EU) Partnership, formally established at the first Africa–EU Summit in Cairo, Egypt, in 2000 under the theme “New Dimensions to our Global Partnership to the 21st Century”, has for 25 years served as a vital platform for political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two continents. Over this period, the partnership has delivered tangible outcomes in key areas including infrastructure development, peace operations, education and skills, health, innovation, and climate resilience.

To mark this milestone, the African Union Commission and the Delegation of the European Union to the African Union launched a year-long commemoration under the banner AUEU25, celebrating a quarter century of joint achievements and people-to-people cooperation through campaigns, exhibitions, and dialogues across both continents. Against this backdrop, leaders of the AU and EU Member States convened in Luanda, Angola, from 24–25 November 2025 for the 7th AU–EU Summit, held under the theme “Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism.”

At the conclusion of the summit, African and European leaders adopted a Joint Declaration committing to deeper investment cooperation, enhanced peace and security collaboration, and renewed approaches to migration and mobility. However, while the political intent was clear, questions remain regarding concrete delivery mechanisms and timelines.

The Pillars of the AU–EU Partnership

The AU–EU partnership is structured around four interlinked pillars that guide cooperation and policy alignment.

The Prosperity pillar focuses on building a prosperous and sustainable Africa and Europe through regional economic integration, sustainable trade and investment, and job creation. Cooperation under this pillar supports the green and digital transitions, strengthens health systems, and improves education and skills development.

The Peace, Security and Governance pillar recognises stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law as essential foundations for sustainable development. The AU and EU collaborate through civilian and military missions and by strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture to support conflict prevention, management, and post- conflict reconstruction.

Under the People pillar, the partnership prioritises human development through cooperation on migration and mobility, education, culture, social inclusion, humanitarian action, and youth and women empowerment, grounded in respect for human rights, gender equality, and justice.

The Planet pillar underscores the AU and EU’s shared commitment to multilateralism and environmental sustainability. Representing over 40% of UN membership, both Unions work together to strengthen the multilateral system, advance climate action, and protect the planet through global initiatives and coordinated diplomacy.

Why the Summit Matters Now

The Luanda Summit took place at a critical moment shaped by intensifying geopolitical competition, an accelerating global investment race, and renewed emphasis on the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. For Africa, these dynamics intersect with pressing development, security, and climate challenges; for Europe, they reflect evolving security threats, supply- chain concerns, and strategic competition.

Recent policy analyses also highlight the growing importance of AU–EU security cooperation (see SWP, 2025). Through initiatives such as the African Peace Facility, which mobilised approximately €3 billion to support African peace missions and institutional capacity building, the AU–EU partnership has long prioritised peace and security cooperation. Yet, despite these efforts, Africa has experienced a recent surge in conflicts involving non-state armed actors. At the same time, Russia’s war against Ukraine has reshaped Europe’s security priorities, while its spillover effects particularly on food security and economic stability have disproportionately affected African countries. These realities underscore the urgency of a renewed, balanced partnership.

Key Outcomes of the Luanda Summit

The Joint Declaration adopted in Luanda reaffirmed commitments across several priority areas, most notably investment, peace and security, migration, and climate action. A central focus was the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package, with leaders welcoming significant progress in its implementation. Valued at €150 billion, the package aims to leverage public and private finance to stimulate sustainable investments, improve the business climate, and support green and digital transitions, job creation, and stronger health, education, and training systems. (Council of the European Union, 2025).

On peace, security and governance, leaders reaffirmed that sustainable peace is essential to prosperity on both continents. The EU, as Africa’s main security partner, reiterated its support through the European Peace Facility and ongoing Common Security and Defence Policy engagements. To date, the EU has launched 12 civilian and military missions in Africa, alongside initiatives addressing terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats, misinformation, maritime security, democratic governance, and humanitarian protection.

The summit also advanced a comprehensive partnership on migration and mobility, grounded in shared responsibility and respect for international law and human rights. Commitments included preventing irregular migration, combating smuggling and trafficking, strengthening border management, and ensuring dignified return and reintegration. At the same time, leaders acknowledged the importance of expanding legal pathways, particularly for students, academics, and researchers. Since 2022, EU funded mobility partnerships have facilitated exchanges involving over 30,000 Africans and 18,000 Europeans.

Voices from Civil Society and Youth

At the summit, civil society organisations and youth representatives played a significant role in shaping summit discussions. Their joint declaration called on leaders to invest in national action plans on peace and security, strengthen good governance and democratic institutions, and prioritise youth leadership through quotas, gender parity targets, and civic education. They also urged increased investment in youth education, skills, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of conflict.

On prosperity, civil society actors emphasised accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area and ensuring Global Gateway investments deliver tangible benefits for local communities. On migration, they advocated for streamlined visa processes and the establishment of an AU–EU mobility window to facilitate youth mobility.

Looking Ahead

Leaders agreed to develop an implementation plan for sectoral cooperation within six months, REFERENCES strengthen monitoring through existing AU– EU structures, and establish a permanent follow-up mechanism to ensure sustained progress toward the Joint Vision for 2030. They also welcomed continued engagement from civil society, youth, business forums, and parliamentary institutions.

The partners further agreed to reconvene in Brussels for the 8th AU–EU Summit, where progress will be reviewed and future priorities defined.

Overall, the Luanda Summit represented a necessary political reset for the AU–EU partnership. Yet, its long-term success will depend on effective implementation, adequate financing, and a stronger focus on local value creation informed by the voices of civil society and youth to ensure that commitments translate into meaningful impact on the ground.

References

1 African Union. (2025, November 24). 7th African Union–European Union Summit. https://au.int/en/newsevents/20251124/7th-african-union-european- union-summit

2 Bergmann, J. (2025, November 11). Assessing 25 years of partnership between the AU and EU: Closer cooperation in peace and security (Megatrends spotlight 63). Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik. https://www.swp-berlin.org/en/publication/partnership-between-the-au-and-eu-closer-cooperation-in- peace-and-security

3 Council of the European Union. (2025). European Union–African Union summit, 24–25 November 2025 (Meeting page). https://www.consilium.europa. eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2025/11/24-25/

4 Council of the European Union. (2025, November 25). Joint declaration of the 7th African Union–European Union Summit 2025, 24–25 November 2025 (Press release No. 992/25). https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/11/25/joint-declaration-of-the-7th-african-union-european- union-summit-2025-24-25-november-2025/

5 European External Action Service. (n.d.). AU-EU civil society and youth forum. https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/african-union-au/au-eu-civil- society-and-youth-forum_en