Multilateral cooperation between the EU and Africa : resetting the agenda

Abstract

The EU presents itself as a ‘privileged partner’ of Africa and characterises the latter as a ‘natural partner’ in the search for a new world order, an order based on norms, rules and greater equity for developing states. Africa’s geo-strategic importance due to its proximity to Europe, its growing value as a trading and investment partner, and the continent’s effectiveness and importance as a role player in the southern hemisphere and multilateral fora, are also matters of high and continued saliency in European strategic perceptions. These goals could only be realised if Africa can finally overcome underdevelopment, political instability, and becoming a modern, stable and predictable community of states; hence the importance of the EU role as a donor, strategic and developmental partner for Africa.