What European strategy for Africa?

What European Strategy for Africa?

Roundtable organised in the framework of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union

This roundtable was dedicated to the future of Africa–Europe relations and to the strategic orientations likely to shape European engagement across the African continent.

It brought together experts from the fields of research, diplomacy, media and international foundations, alongside an audience composed of representatives of European institutions, European Union Member States, African diplomatic missions and international affairs specialists. The discussions provided an opportunity to explore different perspectives on the evolving relationship between Europe and Africa in a context marked by shifting geopolitical balances, the rise of new international actors and the transformation of traditional partnerships.

The exchanges focused in particular on the European Union’s priorities in Africa, issues relating to sovereignty, security, investment and governance, as well as the conditions for a renewed partnership based on mutual interests and a shared understanding of contemporary challenges.

Speakers

Lova Rinel-Rajaoarinelina, Research Fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS), patron of the 2021 Africa–France Forum, and former diplomatic and political adviser to the Presidents of the National Assembly and the Republic of Madagascar.

Antoine Glaser, journalist, author and recognised specialist in Franco-African relations, former founder and Editor-in-Chief of La Lettre du Continent and former Editorial Director of Africa Intelligence.

Nathalie Delapalme, Executive Director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and member of the Executive Committee of the Africa–Europe Foundation, former Adviser for Africa and Development to the French Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Pascal Airault, journalist and editorialist at L’Opinion, specialist in African affairs and author of several works on Franco-African relations.

The discussions highlighted the importance of creating spaces for dialogue that help bridge perspectives, identify areas of convergence and foster credible partnerships between European and African stakeholders.