Source: European Parliament Plenary, Strasbourg
Subject: The new comprehensive EU-Africa strategy - Oral question to the Commission
Date: February 11 2020
Documents: Question
On February 11, the European Parliament held a debate on an oral question to the Commission regarding the new comprehensive EU-Africa strategy. The speakers aimed to take stock of the ongoing preparation of the new strategy by insisting that a renewed relationship based on equal partnership is needed. The Commission had the chance to present the upcoming initiatives and events for 2020. Please find below more information on the debate.
Tomas Tobé (EPP, SE), Chair of the DEVE Committee, before reading the Question, stated that the comprehensive EU-Africa strategy is a window of opportunity for a much needed fresh start for EU-Africa relations, so it is necessary to move forward beyond words and good intentions to concrete actions. A new strategy must recognise the strength and potential in the African economy, pursue the long-term strategic and mutual interests of the EU and its African partners, and support the implementation of the SDGs, he said. For the EU-Africa strategy to be successful, he believed that three things are necessary: a clear vision of the end game, and a concrete plan to use a comprehensive approach with all available tools; an awareness of what can be gained if succeeding in strengthening the partnership and what is at stake if not succeeding; defining how to better use aid-effectiveness tools and that the Commission take a lead in coordinating all EU institutions and member states. There are plenty of mutually beneficial opportunities such as economic growth, employment and trade, as well as immediate challenges such as climate change, poverty, conflicts, irregular migration and increasing poverty levels, he added. He then read the oral questions.
Ms Jutta Urpilainen, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, referred to the Africa Europe Alliance for Sustainable Investment and Jobs, as a first step towards changing the EU strategy on Africa. The initiative is supported by the External Investment Plan for sustainable investments, and have achieved, in such a short amount of time, tangible progress, she stated. On the new strategy, she stated "we need a new, comprehensive strategy, a strategy that supports Africa's potential political economic governance efforts and moves to bolster peace and resilience, a strategy with Africa that ensures partners' ownership and commitment, and a strategy that better positions the EU in the new global context, reflecting the aims of this geopolitical Commission and the ambitions of the European Green Deal". The Abidjan priorities set back in 2017 remain valid today, she added. She then highlighted the areas that focus will be pursued, namely economic continental integration, human development, mobility, migration, climate and environmental challenges, digitalisation, gender equality, solid governance, respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy, fight for peace and security, and against extremism, and support the big potential of the youth.
Ms Urpilainen then informed on upcoming meetings, i.e. the EU-African Union 'college to college' meeting on February 27 in Ethiopia and a ministerial meeting in May. She will also travel to Africa in February and March for broad consultations. The Commission's college will discuss the new strategy in early March. [Please see here the full speech of the Commissioner]
Hildegard Bentele (EPP, DE) said that a new strategy is needed because the European Commission sees itself for the first time as a geopolitical force that wants to promote the implementation of the SDGs, to deal with migration, to replace the Cotonou agreement, to implement the new Green Deal and catch up with digitalisation. In this context, an EU-Africa strategy must take those onboard. It is very important to use all available tools in a consistent manner, as well as learning from the past, she added. It is therefore necessary to focus on fair trade, fair tax systems, educational policy, democracy and rule of law, security measures, and the role of women. It is necessary to ensure all Africans have secured prospects in their own region, she added. Both sides have responsibility for exploring the mutual advantages. The EPP group had had clear guidelines and a clear vision for the new Commission on that issue, she concluded.
Udo Bullmann (S&D, DE) welcomed the position of the Commissioner and her enthusiasm on the matter. The EU and Africa are partners who need to look at their future together, otherwise they will fail, he said. It must be a partnership of equals that should not be undermined by short-vision interest of EU member states. On education, it is necessary to bring girls at school. It is also necessary to ensure basic health provision for all, as well as decent work for all in Europe and in Africa. In this context, he fully supported the Commission on those objectives.
Charles Goerens (RE, LU) said that the EU had already had very close links with Africa, but in order to maintain that status quo it is necessary to have a global strategy that will embrace various areas such as political security, development of economic sector and trade. Clear objectives overtime and a roadmap to implement them are necessary. Today development in Africa depends on Africans themselves, but also increasingly on China, India and Russia. So, the EU-Africa relationship must enhance. He proposed a common security approach allowing Africa to have a seat in UN's Security Council, a common approach on climate change, and an EU-Africa free trade area. Africa must develop itself, but the EU could share its experience to support them, he added.
Dominique Bilde (ID, FR) said that the EU lost its major diplomatic partner, the UK. She added that Russia, China, Japan and Canada are coming in to play with vague promises for equal footing. However, very unfair fishing agreements are happening in Africa at the moment proving that there is nothing to confirm the promised new departure. She then referred to migration and the calls to extend the Erasmus+, but after all it is necessary to ensure that another decade is not lost.
Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana (Greens/EFA, DE) said that the EU-Africa partnership must be based on a shared strategy emphasising a new cooperation based on shared values and equal footing, as agreed at the Abidjan Summit, in order to set the EU apart from paternalist behaviour. But there are questions being raised such as how poverty can be eradicated or how to put an end on issued that delayed development, particularly regarding women and children.
Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR, PL) said that the new strategy must deal with the new challenges, especially migration. People from ACP countries immigrate from their countries because they have no possibilities for education, personal development and decent living. The young people in those countries need support for proper education. So, the EU should invest in good education and support the development of entrepreneurship in these countries.
Miguel Urbán Crespo (GUE/NGL, ES) said it is clear that a new strategy for Africa is needed; a strategy that will not serve the interest of multinationals and political elites, but a strategy that will implement the development goals and serve the interest of the majority of African stakeholders. EU's agenda focuses on migration, security, trade and investment, but Africa needs a lasting relationship based on human rights, social development and environmental sustainability. It is necessary to turn things around and begin from fair trade that will ensure that European companies meet their obligations.
Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, PT) added that empowerment of civil society must be at eh centre of the new strategy, as well as keeping a parliamentary aspect in it.
Chrysoula Zacharopoulou (RE, FR) referred to the great potential of Africa, and emphasised the need for the EU to work not for Africa but with Africa. Europeans must understand Africa with its diversity, not only from migration point of view, she added.
Maria Arena (S&D, BE) said that previous agreements have attempted to secure Europe's interest, but there must be a change to that, so she welcomed the new strategy. More consistency of tools, more coherency and more transparency are needed. For example, a trade policy cannot go against local production.
María Soraya Rodríguez Ramos (RE, ES) stressed the need for green strategy for Africa, as the effects of climate change are big in the continent. Europe needs more resources, but above all greater responsibility is needed.
Giuliano Pisapia (S&D, IT) said that migration and investments should not be the focus of EU policy on Africa. Social, economic and democratic development must be the objective through a genuine relationship.
Samira Rafaela (RE, NL) stressed that African partners must be treated as equals and called the Commission to support with every means possible the African continent of free trade area.
Francisco José Millán Mon (EPP, ES) said that Africa must be a priority for the EU, as the goals on peace and security had not been achieved. It is necessary for the EU to continue a significant role on Africa.
Maria Manuel Leitão Marques (S&D, PT) said that the strategy must include the technological developments and the possibilities for digital solutions on Africa's problems.
Beata Kempa (ECR, PL) added that the fight against human trafficking must be included in the new strategy.
Silvia Modig (GUE/NGL, FI) said it is extremely important to treat Africa as an equal partner whilst focusing on education and climate change. Improving the position of women and girls must be a priority.
Deirdre Clune (EPP, IE) said that the current situation of SDGs and the Paris Agreements require a renewed strategy with Africa. The EU could offer a lot on job creation and development by supporting indigenous businesses.
Clare Daly (GUE/NGL, IE) said that despite nice words, the pursued relation is based on neoliberal objectives and a growing military presence that supports dictators in favour of French interest in raw materials.
Krzysztof Hetman (EPP, PL) said that the EU must deepen the political dialogue with Africa in order to promote human rights, democracy, freedom of speech, security, peace, poverty reduction, and fight against terrorism and human trafficking. Financial assistance and support to the African initiative related to renewable sources are needed.
Commissioner Urpilainen said she was confident in their ability to build a new strategic and fruitful partnership with Africa which is focused on sustainable development. The Commission and the EEAS are currently drafting the strategy in order to make it as comprehensive as possible. She welcomed the comments on youth and young people. The strategy will constitute a significant change in strengthening EU's partnership with Africa. The strategy will work towards fighting global challenges that both continents simply cannot, and must not, ignore, she stated. There is agreement to close the post-Cotonou negotiations by the end of March, and the AU-EU Summit will have room for all stakeholders to design the new partnership together. She also assured that the right means to implement those policies will be in place by facilitating the agreement of the MMF in good time. Joint efforts of all institutions are needed, she concluded.