30 November 2010: The Third Africa-EU Summit, held in Tripoli, Libya, from 29-30 November 2010, concluded with the adoption of the Tripoli Declaration, in which African and European leaders commit to make their partnership more responsive.

The Declaration also aims to make the Africa-EU partnership increasingly relevant in: reforming the global governance system; tackling the effects of climate change; achieving a sustainable energy market including investment, particularly in renewable energy resources; and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Under the overarching theme “Investment, economic growth and job creation,” African and European leaders discussed concrete ways to stimulate inclusive growth and to consolidate the recovery from the global financial and economic crisis. In his opening speech, Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, emphasized that Africa is becoming a key player in many areas of global governance, including in addressing the challenge of climate change.

According to the Tripoli Declaration, Africa and the EU will work together to ensure more effective participation and improved cooperation in international bodies, including the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the G20. African and European leaders commit to further strengthen their high-level political dialogue aiming at a more coordinated approach and joint positions in international negotiations. The fourth Africa-EU summit will be held in Brussels, Belgium, in 2013. [Tripoli Declaration][Van Rompuy’s Opening Speech] [AU Press Release]