***EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, biggest investor, and leading humanitarian donor, with €309 billion in foreign direct investments in Africa in 2022.
The African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) will convene their third ministerial meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on May 21, 2025. This gathering marks a significant milestone, as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU partnership.
Key Objectives of the Meeting
Foreign affairs ministers from both unions will assess progress made since the sixth EU-AU Summit in 2022 and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation. The agenda will focus on:
- Peace, Security, and Governance – Addressing geopolitical challenges and stability.
- Multilateralism – Enhancing global cooperation between Africa and Europe.
- Prosperity – Economic growth, trade, and investment strategies.
- People, Migration, and Mobility – Policies affecting movement and human development.
Leadership and Significance
The meeting will be co-chaired by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Tete António, Angola’s Minister of External Relations and Chairperson of the AU Executive Council. The EU remains Africa’s largest trading partner, biggest investor, and leading humanitarian donor, with €309 billion in foreign direct investments in Africa in 2022.
Concerns Raised by Catholic Bishops
Ahead of the meeting, Catholic bishops from Africa and Europe have urged leaders to prioritize mutual respect, environmental justice, and human dignity in AU-EU relations. They expressed concerns that European policies have shifted toward economic and geopolitical interests, sidelining development cooperation and solidarity with vulnerable communities.
This ministerial meeting is expected to set the stage for the seventh AU-EU Summit, which will take place later in 2025 in Africa.
Kaja Kallas VP European Commission Picture by Aurore Martignoni and Tete Antonio African Union Chairman Picture by UN Women on Flickr
