EU, AU ministers reaffirm stronger partnerships
European Union (EU) and African Union (AU) ministers have reaffirmed their strategic partnership at the 3rd EU-AU ministerial meeting, laying the groundwork for the upcoming 7th AU-EU Summit set for 2025 in Africa.The high-level meeting reviewed progress on the Joint Vision for 2030, adopted at the 2022 Summit, and identified priority areas for collaboration, including sustainable development, peace, prosperity and global governance.
Co-chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas and Téte António, Angola’s Foreign Minister and AU Executive Council Chair, the event marked 25 years since the first AU-EU summit in Cairo in 2000. Namibia’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Trade Jenelly Matundu led Namibia’s delegation, calling for enhanced cooperation on infrastructure, industrialisation and skills transfer, highlighting the AfCFTA as a transformative driver of Africa’s growth.
Ministers assessed joint progress and renewed commitments across several priority areas: sustainable energy, connectivity, health security, education, peacebuilding, and economic integration. The Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package was spotlighted as a key tool for inclusive development and green transitions.
G20 seat
Ministers also welcomed the AU’s permanent seat in the G20, calling it a step forward in reforming global institutions and reaffirming support for multilateralism and a rules-based international order. Key global challenges, such as climate change, security threats, and migration, featured prominently.
The meeting was enriched by voices from civil society and youth, who presented a joint declaration during the closing session following the Civil Society and Youth Forum held on 20 May.
“This meeting reminds us that Africa and Europe are not just neighbours, but partners in progress,” said Ana Beatriz Martins, EU Ambassador to Namibia. Reflecting on 35 years of EU-Namibia relations and 25 years of EU-AU cooperation, she added: “From health to education and sustainable investment, we are shaping a partnership of equals for our 1.9 billion citizens.”
The meeting set the stage for the 2025 AU-EU Summit, which will celebrate past achievements and chart a renewed vision for deeper collaboration.