European Union and African Union to deepen their partnership

At their summit meeting in Brussels on 17 and 18 February, leaders of countries of the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) agreed on strengthening and deepening their cooperation.

The summit adopted a joint declaration setting out the priorities for future cooperation between the EU and the AU. To support the implementation of the objectives, an investment package of EUR 150 billion has been rolled out, consisting of investment, healthcare and education sectors. The Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package aims to accelerate the green transition, digital transformation, growth and job creation, among other things.

According to the declaration, the cooperation will include actions to secure the availability of vaccines in Africa as well as measures to guarantee peace and security and to manage refugee and migration flows. Multilateral cooperation within the framework of the UN is also an important part of the increasingly close partnership between the EU and the AU.

The partnership is built on equality and a shared commitment to ensure security and peace. The declaration emphasises gender equality and highlights the need to take care of children, youth and the most vulnerable persons. 

Heads of State or Government exchanged views in several smaller roundtables. On Thursday 17 February, Prime Minister Marin chaired the roundtable on private sector support and economic integration. On Friday 18 February, Minister Marin took part in the roundtable discussing education, culture, vocational training, migration and mobility.  

In connection with the Summit, Prime Minister Marin had a bilateral meeting with the President of the Republic of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall.

Inquiries: Jari Luoto, State Under-Secretary for European Affairs, tel. +358 50 468 5949; Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office