30 November 2017: Leaders from Africa and Europe adopted a joint declaration on common priorities for partnership at the conclusion of the Fifth African Union-European Union Summit. In the joint declaration, AU and EU leaders outline common priorities in four strategic areas: economic opportunity for youth; peace and security; mobility and migration; and cooperation on governance.
The AU-EU Summit was established to discuss the future of relationships between Africa and Europe. The Fifth Summit, which took place from 29-30 November 2017, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marked the first time the event has convened in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Summit focused on the theme, ‘Investing in the Youth for a Sustainable Future.’ European Council (EC) President Donald Tusk recognized, in his opening remarks, the role of youth in implementing African and European priorities and actions, saying it is youth “who will take them forward in the future.” He stressed leaders’ commitment to make the future safer and more prosperous for all youth.
In a joint statement on the migrant situation in Libya, leaders condemn the treatment of migrants and refugees by criminal groups, and express their resolve to work together to end such criminal practices and ensure the wellbeing of migrants and refugees. The statement expresses agreement to communicate to youth about the dangers of migrants’ journeys and trafficking networks. The statement further expresses agreement that, on African migrants, a lasting resolution requires “a political solution to the persistent crisis in Libya.”
Also on migration, EU and African leaders discussed how to tackle migrant smuggling and the root causes of irregular migration. Leaders agreed to support the mobility of academics, students and staff across the African continent, and to enhance exchange programmes between Africa and Europe, including ERASMUS+.
On the margins of the Summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, EC President Jean-Claude Juncker and EC High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini met to discuss concrete steps to address the situation of migrant and refugee victims of criminal networks, particularly in Libya. They agreed to establish a joint EU-AU-UN Task Force to: protect and save the lives of migrants and refugees along the routes, particularly in Libya; accelerate resettlement of those in need of international protection; and accelerate assisted voluntary returns to countries of origin. The Task Force’s work will be part of the EU, AU and UN’s overall joint work to dismantle trafficking and criminal networks and to tackle root causes of migration.
The EC has proposed the creation of a new financial instrument as part of its external investment plan and partnership framework for cooperation with countries with irregular emigration. The European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) aims to mobilize EU grants to catalyze public and private investment to tackle the root causes of migration in Europe and Africa. The Fund is also expected to support achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its SDGs.[Summit Website] [EU Summit Website] [AU Summit Website] [AU-EU Statement on Migrant Situation in Libya] [Joint UN-AU-EU Press Release] [EC Press Release on EFSD]