On May 21, 2025, the third ministerial meeting between the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) was held. Discussions focused on ways of strengthening the partnership between the two continents over the past 25 years. The ministers underlined their firm belief in effective multilateral cooperation and the need to reform international institutions in order to collectively tackle common global challenges.
On May 21, 2025, the foreign ministers of the European Union and the African Union met for the third time in Brussels. This third ministerial meeting marked a crucial opportunity to review and strengthen the partnership between the two continents, in line with the development framework of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s priorities. Following Africa’s recent accession to the G20 and recent developments in the global multilateral system, the meeting offered a unique opportunity to translate high-level commitments into action.
We started formalising this strategic partnership of the African Union, and we have developed our partnership. This is an example of its success, and there are many reasons for this success. Of course, there is geographic proximity to consider, as well as historical links. Over the past 25 years, we have achieved a great deal in terms of our strategic partnership, which has had a positive impact on both the European and African populations.
TÉTE ANTÓNIO, Minister of External Relations
2025 marks 25 years of partnership between the EU and Africa, founded on the principles of solidarity, security, peace, and long-term sustainable economic development and prosperity. According to official figures from 2022, the value of trade in goods and services between the EU and African countries totaled 504.3 billion euros. In 2023, 93.7% of African exports entered the EU market duty-free, and EU foreign direct investment (FDI) totalled 257.4 billion euros, positioning the EU as the primary source of FDI in Africa.
Over the past 25 years, the partnership between the African Union and the European Union has delivered concrete results. The presence of over 70 delegations, including more than 50 ministers, in Brussels today demonstrates the shared commitment to deepening this partnership. This paves the way for a successful summit later this year. As I told the ministers, the European Union is a reliable partner for Africa. We are actively supporting peace and security on the continent. EU support for African partners through European Peace Facilities exceeds 1 billion euros.
Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Against the backdrop of shifting global dynamics, rising geopolitical tensions, instability, fragmentation, heightened conflict, deepening inequality, the impact of demography and migration, and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Africa remain a geopolitical priority for the EU
