Africa’s Perspectives: Unpacking the AU-EU Partnership

Conference co-organised by the European Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) and UNU-CRIS

Title: Africa’s Perspectives: Unpacking the AU-EU Partnership

Abstract: Africa and Europe are undergoing major transformations in demography, economics, security domains. The global system's foundational principles and decision-making processes are also increasingly questioned. In this context, the partnership between Africa and the EU continues to be crucial in addressing mutual expectations and aspirations. Several setbacks in the partnership have revolved around difficulties in organising high-level meetings, biases that run deep in the partnership – such as projecting each other priorities and expectations on the partner. Additionally, narratives that hinder the development of new mindsets and differentiation impede progress in delivering on common goals. As common challenges like security and climate change multiply, this workshop aims to gather diverse perspectives on the AU-EU partnership. It seeks to provide recommendations on how the partnership should evolve, considering sub-regional perspectives, sectoral differences, and better alignment of mutual expectations and feasibility.

The questions guiding the discussions will be based on the EUISS policy brief "Je t'aime, moi non plus": cognitive biases in the AU-EU relationship” by Rossella Marangio and Frank Mattheis.

This is a closed event. For further information, please contact Frank Mattheis at fmattheis@cris.unu.edu