African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) Celebrate 25 Years of Unique Partnership
This month, the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) are celebrating the 25th anniversary of a unique partnership marked by strengthening economic, political, and social ties. The 7th AU-EU Summit, held on November 24-25 in Luanda, Angola, is taking place under the theme: "Strengthening Peace and Prosperity through Effective Multilateral Cooperation". The event is dedicated to a quarter century of privileged cooperation and high-impact joint projects.
Tunisian Delegation Participates in the Summit
A Tunisian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti, is participating in the summit. Several major announcements are expected, particularly in the areas of energy transition and digitalization.
New Era of Trade and Cooperation
In an interview with the Tunisian News Agency (TAP), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that a new era of trade and sustainable cooperation will open between African and European markets. She specified that new projects will be unveiled under the European Global Gateway strategy, aiming to strengthen connectivity and investments between the two continents.
Tunisia at the Heart of Energy Transition
Regarding Tunisia, Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the underwater electrical interconnection project between Tunisia and Italy. Included in the Global Gateway strategy, this project will, according to her, enhance the energy security of both countries and integrate more renewable energies into their electrical systems. She emphasized that the European Union actively supports Tunisian projects in renewable energies, contributing to diversifying clean energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Benefits of Energy Transition
Thanks to the development of solar and wind energy, Tunisia will be able to reduce energy production costs, accelerate its ecological transition, create tens of thousands of jobs, and offer sustainable benefits to its population, she added.
Maximizing Benefits of Ecological Transition
On another note, the European Commission President reaffirmed the EU's willingness to maximize the benefits of ecological transition in Africa, estimating that it represents an opportunity for job creation and significant reduction of environmental risks. "Europe is Africa's main trading partner and closest neighbor," she recalled, highlighting the solidity of a real and sustainable partnership. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the AU-EU partnership, cooperation should reach a new level.
Initiative to Scale Up Renewable Energy in Africa
She also recalled the launch, a year ago, of the "Scaling Renewable Energy in Africa" initiative aiming to attract investments in clean energy and provide electricity to 600 million Africans who are still not connected. The European Union has allocated €15.5 billion to this initiative last week.
Summit Discussions and Outcome
African and European leaders will debate for two days on ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of peace, security, multilateralism, and migration. The summit's work will conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration.
