AU-EU to discuss development in Northern Africa

THE EUROPEAN UNION

THE AFRICAN UNION

AU-EU to discuss development in Northern Africa

The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) are to discuss the development of Northern Africa in the forthcoming annual College-to-College meeting of the union schedule to hold in Brussels from May 31 to June 1.

The programme of the meeting between the two Commissions covers two days and is divided between thematic cluster meetings of Commissioners, bilateral meetings and a plenary session, which takes place in the morning of June 1.

A statement by the unions says the plenary session will focus on "consolidating democracy, including developments in Northern Africa, and consolidating growth," while the thematic sessions will also allow for exchanges of view on political, social, environmental and economic matters. The two colleges will adopt a joint declaration.

The meeting, holding in the context of Africa-EU Strategic Partnership, pursues common objectives beyond the traditional donor-recipient focus, in a dialogue of equal counterparts.

Existing partnership

The EU is the biggest trading partner for the African continent, committing at least 36 percent of total imports to Africa in 2009.

In support of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and its thematic partnerships, the European Commission has committed 24.4 billion Euros through its various financial instruments for the period 2007-2013.

The meeting

Discussions in the meeting aim at strengthening the political and technical cooperation between the two institutions provide fresh impetus to the implementation of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy and elements for the future political agenda.

The Africa-EU Joint Strategy was adopted in Lisbon, Portugal, in December 2007 by 80 Heads of State and Government from Africa and Europe.

Both sides agreed to pursue common interests and strategic objectives together, beyond the traditional donor-recipient focus, cooperating as equal partners.

The Joint Strategy outlines a long-term shared vision of the future of Africa-EU relations in a globalized world.

PR/Williams