The Renew Europe Group has initiated and fully supported a resolution setting out a new strategic vision for EU-Africa cooperation ahead of the 7th EU-African Union Summit in Luanda this November. For Renew Europe, Africa is a global actor essential to Europe's future. The resolution offers Africa a partnership model fundamentally different from the opaque and coercive approaches pursued by other powers such as China and Russia.
The resolution calls for aligning Global Gateway investments with African priorities within a framework of full transparency. It reinforces the requirement that EU member states reach the 0.7% target for official development aid. The text places African youth at the heart of the partnership through a Europe-Africa Youth Innovation Fund and strengthened EU academical exchange programmes, increased support for African universities, vocational institutes, and youth-led initiatives to strengthen skills, innovation and exchange. It also strengthens women's empowerment, education, and health, including sexual and reproductive rights, as essential for inclusive growth. We need a clear focus on results that citizens of both continents can see and feel.
Hilde Vautmans (Open-VLD, Belgium), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur on this text, stated:
"Our resolution sends a clear message ahead of the 7th EU–AU Summit in Luanda: Europe stands for a modern, principled partnership of equals with Africa, one built on transparency, shared values, and mutual respect. We propose a Europe–Africa Industrialisation Pact to ensure Africa becomes a hub for processing, innovation, and green energy, not merely a source of raw materials, while attracting European businesses, especially SMEs. Africa is not a partner in need but a global actor vital to Europe's future in trade, energy, and stability. We need each other, and together we can build a truly people-centred partnership with youth at its core; distinct from the opaque and coercive models offered by others."
Hilde VautmansRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten
Renew MEP Barry Andrews (Fianna Fáil, Ireland), chair for the Committee on Development (DEVE), highlighted:
"Over 50 governments around the world were represented at the Global Gateway conference last week in Brussels, including 15 heads of state. But EU national leaders were largely absent. How can we expect Africa to take the EU seriously on development cooperation? Even with the Global Gateway strategy, just investing billions of euro is no guarantee of success. Basic relief aid and well-funded peacekeeping is still intrinsic to EU external action."
Barry AndrewsRenew Europe MEP, Ireland, Fianna Fáil Party
Renew Europe emphasizes that credibility requires action, not just words. The resolution addresses urgent crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel region, calling for diplomatic solutions, humanitarian access, and accountability for war crimes. It supports African-led peace operations with predictable European funding through the UN and the European Peace Facility, while proposing a European rapid reaction capacity to combat terrorism within full respect of international law.
MEP Charles Goerens (DP, Luxembourg), Renew Europe coordinator for DEVE, concluded:
"The EU-Africa partnership needs an overhaul. This resolution is a vital step to rebuild trust and define common priorities for a more equal and strategic relationship. The EU must keep high levels of development aid, particularly in human development, where impact is greatest. As global aid declines, Europe must prove it stands with its African partners, investing in people, rights, and opportunities while ensuring that the relationship is based on mutual respect."
Charles GoerensRenew Europe MEP, Luxembourg, Parti démocratique