The third AU-EU ministerial meeting in Brussel wrapped up this week with an agreement to enhance collaboration in peace, security, and governance, reaffirming commitments outlined in the Joint Vision for 2030 agenda.
The meeting took place on May 21, 2025, and saw ministers gather to assess progress on their Joint Vision and to reinforce their partnership in areas of peace, security, and governance, according to a joint statement.
Attendees included Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, new chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Ministers acknowledged the depth and mutual ambition that have characterized EU-AU relations over the past 25 years, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s political priorities. They emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address shared challenges, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and socio-economic disparities.
While they expressed concern about foreign information manipulation and interference, they underscored their commitment to an integrated approach to conflict prevention and resolution, peace-building, and human security at national, regional, and continental levels.
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The ministers shared deep concerns over the growing humanitarian challenges, including the consequences of conflict on civilians especially the most vulnerable groups.
The need to advance security cooperation, and address challenges such as political instability and armed conflicts, including terrorism, was also on the agenda.
In the realm of governance, the ministers reiterated their dedication to promoting democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. They also agreed to strengthen African security, defence capabilities and stabilization, including the supply of military equipment.
The ministers reiterated their commitment to Somalia’s security transition and acknowledged EU’s support to successive AU missions in Somalia. They also stressed the need for adequate, predictable and sustainable international support for AUSSOM.
Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Selma Malika, said that peace is key to navigate the future.
“The prosperity and instability of our continent is inseparably linked,” she said. “Our shared ambition to build a future rooted in sustainable development, peace, and enhanced cooperation continues to guide our efforts. We are firm today in our commitment to strengthen multilateralism and international cooperation.”
The communique also stated that human rights and international humanitarian law featured prominently in the discussions, with both parties expressing their commitment to promoting and protecting these principles.
The AU Chairperson emphasized the importance of aligning the EU-AU partnership with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
He noted ongoing progress in African countries toward macro-economic stability and reform, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He urged partners to shift from making commitments to focusing on implementation, especially in light of Africa’s recent entry into the G20 and evolving global dynamics.
The Chairperson underlined the role of peace and security in enabling Africa’s development and described Europe as a critical partner for continental stability.
“Our partnership must be based on ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity,” said Youssouf, while calling for a commitment to strengthening cooperation, and finding practical solutions to pressing global and regional issues, to benefit both Africa and Europe.
As the meeting concluded, ministers agreed to strengthen the follow-up mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of commitments made under the Joint Vision for 2030.
The seventh ministerial meeting will convene in Africa in 2027.
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