The liberal, centrist and democrat political family in the EU and Africa committed to strengthening their cooperation at the 2025 RenewPAC Summit in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Between 23-25 February, European Ministers, ambassadors, parliamentarians and local representatives engaged with their counterparts from sister parties from the Pacific, Africa and Caribbean (PAC).
The event was organised by Renew Europe in cooperation with the Ivorian party Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace, and opened with a keynote speech by Côte d'Ivoire Vice-President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné.
Renew Europe was represented by seven MEPs who committed to advancing policies in key areas to define the future of EU-Africa relations, such as defence, counterterrorism, peacekeeping, resilient governance and institutions, climate, economic competitiveness, youth, health and education.
The Trump administration’s recent suspension of most foreign development assistance has put millions of people at risk, and has cut off access to to programmes providing medical care, treatments, prevention of deadly diseases, clean water and basic food supplies across Africa.
“There is only one way to face the new geopolitical dynamics: more unity, equal partnerships and a deeper cooperation on key areas in the benefit of our both continents. Europe and Africa have a lot to offer to each other and it is our duty, as liberals and democrats, to unlock the full potential of our relations, securing prosperity for our citizens. This is more than a wake-up call, it’s a call for tangible action. Let’s make it a win-win,” said RenewPAC Co-President Jan-Christoph Oetjen MEP (FDP, DE).
“Another priority must be strengthening our security and defence cooperation and counter instability, terrorism and foreign interference with a rapid EU defence force. For too long, Europe’s response has been predictable: write a check, sign an aid package, issue a statement, pointing fingers when it comes to human rights and expect change. It didn’t work. It’s time for a new strategy, a real marriage, one that will thrive,” added Hilde Vautmans MEP (Open VLD, BE), Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly.