EU and Africa: Focus on new ways for trade and migration!

EU and Africa: Focus on new ways for trade and migration!

On May 21, 2025, there was an important meeting in Brussels, in which more than 70 delegations and 50 ministers take part. Austria was represented by the head of department Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS). The event underlined the priority that the European Union (EU) sets in cooperation with Africa, in particular with regard to raw materials and mobility, such as the Kleine Zeitung reported.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty addressed the growing population of Africa and their importance for future growth in Europe. His Nigerian colleague Yusuf Tuggar addressed the need for increased cooperation between the two continents. He called for investments in training programs by migration agreements to provide the necessary workers for both sides.

European interests in Africa

The Estonian Prime Minister Kallas, on the other hand, emphasized that it was in European interest to promote prosperity and jobs in Africa in order to reduce migration pressure. This is particularly relevant in times of increasing geopolitical uncertainty. Current statistics show that the trade volume between the EU and African countries in 2023 was 467.2 billion euros.

In addition, the discussion about the technology transfer when reducing critical raw materials was considered significantly. These issues fit into the overall strategy of the EU, which Africa defined as a "priority", as it is carried out by the EU Commission.

economic framework and interests

The juggling between commercial and development policy is a challenge. According to swp , the framework for trade relationships between the EU and the AKP countries (Africa, Karibik, Pacific) have changed significantly since the cotonou agreement came into force. A new agreement is intended to offer modernized regulations on investments, services and migration. However, the role of social and environmental aspects is becoming increasingly important, which have had to be integrated into all international contracts since 2015.

The political and economic influence of Europe in Africa, which has decreased in recent years, is increasingly being challenged by the influence of China. In 2017, the EU was the most important buyer for African exports with 29 percent, while China was responsible for 23.9 percent of the new investments in Africa. This illustrates the need for Europe to strengthen its position and deepen the cooperation with Africa.

The African Union is looking for solutions for the ongoing debt problems of its members. In these discussions, too, the South African Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka expressed concerns about "unrealistic demands" and called for reforms in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In order to meet the challenges of migration and economic development, a strategic realignment of EU policy towards Africa is essential. The existing institutions of the Cotonou Agreement are currently being assessed as inefficient, and future trading progresses could be renegotiated in order to meet the updated conditions.

Overall, the meeting in Brussels shows that the EU and Africa are in a crucial phase of its relationship, in which opportunities for increased cooperation and creating a stable economic foundation. The technological and economic exchange as well as the use of Africa's resource treasures could be a win-win situation for both continents in the long term.