EU-Africa Summit 2014

2014-04-04, 16:49

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The 4th EU-Africa Summit brought together more than 60 EU and African leaders, and a total of 90 delegations, to discuss the future of EU-Africa relations and reinforce links between the two continents. In the summit declaration, leaders highlighted the close nature of EU-Africa relations and the shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law and good governance as well as the right to development.

Peace and security

Leaders recognised the importance of peace and security as essential prerequisites for development and prosperity. In particular, they confirmed their commitment to enhancing political dialogue on international criminal justice and universal jurisdiction. Leaders also gave their support to the African aspiration and commitment to ensuring peace and stability in Africa and agreed to support African capabilities in this area through any available means, with a particular focus on capacity-building. Both continents agreed to strengthen common effort to fight international terrorism and to combat the spread of small arms.

Prosperity

Leaders pledged to pursue policies to create jobs and stimulate long-term growth on both continents. In particular the two continents agreed to cooperate more closely in the field of maritime policy. The EU also underlined its commitment to continuing to support African countries in the preparation of climate-resilient and low-emission development strategies. Leaders on both sides highlighted the importance of ensuring prudent and transparent management of respective natural resources, and responsible mineral sourcing. The summit declaration also underlines the importance of encouraging greater investment and economic development within and between countries in both continents, alongside developing transport, access to drinking water and to sustainable and affordable energy.

People

The summit recognised the importance of upholding human rights in both continents and confirmed a joint commitment to continuing efforts towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. On the question of education, leaders agreed to pursue policies to promote inclusive job creation with a focus on young people and women, and to promote student exchange programmes between the two continents and within Africa. The summit highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the serious social and human impact of irregular migration. Leaders reiterated a shared commitment to fight human trafficking and to ensure the respect of human rights for all migrants. The summit also adopted a separate declaration on migration and mobility.

Joint Africa EU Strategy and roadmap

The summit also confirmed the commitment of both continents to the objectives set out in the 2007 Joint Africa-EU Strategy. However, leaders agreed that the implementation of the Joint Strategy should be further improved and that cooperation should be guided by a results-oriented approach. The summit therefore adopted a roadmap to frame EU-Africa relations for 2014-2017. The roadmap covers 5 key priorities and areas for joint action:

Peace and security
Democracy, good governance and human rights
Human development
Sustainable and inclusive development and growth and continental integration
Global and emerging issues

For each of these objectives, the roadmap details actions at interregional, continental or global levels which are expected to have a real impact on the people of both continents.

http://www.european-council.europa.eu/eu-africa-summit-2014

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