Big words, joint declarations – and small results. That's what we see when the EU and the African Union meet for summits. Most recently in Angola, writes development expert Lennart Wohlgemuth, who wants to see the unions establish real cooperation.
Since the first EU-African Union (AU) summit in Cairo in 2000, cooperation between the two unions has often been stuck in rhetoric rather than real cooperation. Diplomatic rituals have allowed underlying tensions to be hidden on issues such as the imbalance of power between the parties, migration, investment, strategic minerals, cooperation on peace and security, the long-term budget, digital partnerships and health cooperation.
In the compendium "Eight Challenges for AU-EU Relations” from the think tank ECDPM, Geert Laporte brings together several experts who advise on how the EU and AU can improve cooperation in these important areas. But in order to achieve any kind of forward movement on these issues, it is essential that the EU and Africa break with old habits and build a relationship based on equality, openness and responsibility.
An equal relationship requires reciprocity, respect and continuity.
Behind the grand visions of partnership and cooperation lies an inconvenient truth: cooperation between the EU and the AU is still characterised by unequal power. It is usually the EU that sets the agenda, writes the texts and controls the communication. African representatives often feel that the Union acts as a benefactor rather than an equal partner. This paternalistic tone erodes trust and makes many see the summits as an empty gesture.
At the same time, the world is changing rapidly. In recent decades, Africa has broadened its international relations and today has more options than ever – not least through cooperation within BRICS and new South-South initiatives where China has taken over the role of initiator. The EU is no longer the obvious or dominant actor on the continent. In the new geopolitical landscape, it is therefore crucial that the relationship between the EU and Africa is based on respect and reciprocity, not on an old hierarchy.
Another recurring problem is the lack of continuity. Between the summits, which are held approximately every three years, very little often happens. Many promises fall flat, follow-up is weak and dialogue between decision-makers, civil society and youth actors is limited. Building long-term cooperation requires more than formal meetings. It requires a living process, where issues are followed up and discussed even between summits. In this area, there is much to learn from how China manages its relations with Africa.
Honesty is fundamental in a partnership
For the relationship to be revitalized, both sides need to be honest about their interests. The EU must stop pretending to act only out of goodwill and clearly state its political and economic motives regarding, for example, trade, access to raw materials and migration. At the same time, African governments need to formulate their own common strategies and pursue them with greater force – for example, by concretizing the African Development Agenda 2063. A partnership can only work if both parties meet as equals with their own goals and responsibilities.
Partners listen and support each other
The EU should also recognise that global power is shifting and that Africa is playing an increasingly important role in international forums. Supporting the continent's demands for fair representation in institutions such as the UN, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund would be a step towards real respect.
For Sweden, as part of the EU and a player in global development, the issue is highly relevant. The EU-Africa relationship affects everything from aid and investment to climate, trade and migration. If the relationship continues to be characterized by symbolic politics and double standards, the entire European development cooperation risks losing credibility.
An equal partnership with Africa is not about writing more declarations – but about daring to relinquish control. To listen, not to lead. To build relationships between people, not just between institutions.
After 25 years of summits, it is clear that rituals are no longer enough. The EU must leave paternalism behind and face Africa on equal terms. Only then can the partnership move from a ceremonial event to a force for real global development.
This is a debate article. The author is responsible for analysis and opinions in the text.
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