A renewed partnership between Europe and Africa: where do we stand?

– , Berlin time (CEST, UTC+2)
Venue: French Embassy in Berlin, Wilhelmstraße 69, 10117 Berlin

Guests

  • Tom Amolo, Ambassador of Kenya in Germany, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya
  • Christophe Bigot, Africa Director, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France
  • Bibalou Bounda, Ambassador of Gabon in Germany, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gabon
  • Rita Laranjinha, Africa Director, European External Action Service
  • Christoph Retzlaff, Africa Director, Federal Foreign Office, Germany

Chaired by

Lauriane Devoize, Visiting Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

In February 2022, the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) agreed on a common vision to consolidate a renewed partnership around three pillars: (i) a sustainable prosperity for both continents with the announcement of a  €150 billion investment package by the European Union for the African continent as part of its Global Gateway strategy ; (ii) a renewed and strengthened cooperation for peace and security with the founding principle of finding African solutions to African problems (iii) a strengthened and reciprocal partnership on migration and mobility.

More than one year after, where do we stand now? The shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-led war in Ukraine and their effects run the risk of a fragmented world with an increasing polarisation of international relations and competition between actors. There is at the same time a growing awareness of Africa being a central actor in tackling common global challenges like the fight against climate change and the related energy transition, or the protection of biodiversity to name but a few. The last COP in Egypt or the next African summit on climate in Kenya show also a growing African leadership on these issues. In this context, it seems urgent and more necessary than ever to bring this renewed partnership between Europe and Africa to life. What has already been achieved and what still needs to be done? What are the challenges and the expectations on both sides?

Join us to discuss these exciting and timely issues and get a glimpse not only of the EU and African but also of the German and French perspectives, as both EU members have recently presented their own new Africa strategies.

The conference will be followed, for those who so desire, by a “friendship drink” at the embassy (18:30-19:30).

Registration is now closed.

The Event is co-organised with the French Embassy in Berlin.

Doors open from 4:30 pm at the entrance Wilhelmstraße 69, 10117 Berlin.

This invitation is not transmissible. For safety reasons, please note that you will have to show a valid ID at the registration desk.

For safety reasons, please do not bring large bags or luggage

By registering for and participating in this event, you authorise the recording of images of yourself on this occasion and irrevocably cede to the organisers the right to the free reproduction and exploitation of the images for communication purposes via, in particular, their website, social networks and/or any printed product.