Event

Africa-EU partnership of equals: how can we get there?

What: Panel discussion based on contributions from religious & faith-based organisations and local communities for a Global Gateway that supports locally-led development
Where: European Parliament (room ASP-1G369), hosted by MEPs Saskia Bricmont and Carlos Zorrinho
Format: Round table, Hybrid
Languages: EN-FR interpretation available for online participants

Register HERE by 27 February 2023

(NB: Seats for physical attendance are limited. They will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Before the event, participants will receive an email confirming their registration for virtual or physical attendance as well as the connection details in case of virtual participation.)


BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Concept note (EnglishFrench)
In the context of the 6th AU-EU Summit, African and European civil society, including faith-based as well as Church actors, have continued to highlight the need for a more balanced partnership between Africa and Europe. The aspiration to build a ‘partnership of equals’ has been a longstanding one – the first joint Africa-EU Strategy adopted back in 2007 had already emphasised the need to forge “a real partnership characterised by equality” however, the benchmarks of this equality are yet to be defined. How much progress has been made so far? And is the Global Gateway – the “future of the EU’s development cooperation”- going to help pave the way towards a balanced partnership with Africa? Since the announcement of the Global Gateway in late 2021, African and European civil society, alongside members of the European Parliament, have raised pertinent questions about its funding, transparency, governance structure, and dependence on traditional business models.
This panel discussion will offer a space for frank, respectful and constructive dialogue amongst stakeholders with different perspectives on the Global Gateway’s strategy. Such dialogue is of relevance as the EU moves forward with implementing the Global Gateway Africa Investment Package and in light of the upcoming AU-EU ministerial meeting in Spring 2023.

PROGRAMME
Introductory remarks: Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, and MEP Ms. Saskia Bricmont
Panel discussion moderated by M. Floris Faber, ACT Alliance EU Director with:

  • M. Paul Renier, Deputy Head of Unit at DG INTPA Unit A1 (Strategic Partnerships with Africa and with the ACP)
  • M. Ivano Casella, Trade Affairs Officer at DG TRADE Unit C1 (African, Caribbean and Pacific, Overseas Countries and Territories) – joining virtually
  • Ms. Claire Améyo Quenum, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) (Togo) – joining virtually
  • Ms. Lucy Esipila, Caritas Africa Advocacy Officer (Kenya)
  • M. Masaidio Kalenga, Kimanya-Ngeyo Foundation for Science and Education (Uganda) – joining virtually

Concluding remarks: MEP M. Carlos Zorrinho

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