European and African leaders are converging in Angola for a two‑day summit aimed at strengthening economic and security ties between the two continents. The gathering, which begins on Monday in Luanda, will also serve as a backdrop for emergency discussions on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Among the dozens of EU and African leaders expected to attend are France’s Emmanuel Macron, Germany’s Friedrich Merz and Kenya’s William Ruto. The meeting will focus on key issues such as trade, migration and critical raw materials, while the EU’s response to a U.S. plan to end the Ukraine war is expected to dominate the agenda. The U.S. proposal, initially seen as favoring Moscow, has raised concerns among EU leaders. After talks between top U.S. and Ukrainian representatives in Geneva on Sunday, EU leaders will hold a special side meeting in Luanda to discuss the 28‑point plan, which Finnish President Alexander Stubb says still requires significant work.
The Angola summit also marks 25 years of EU‑African Union relations, a partnership analysts say must be revamped if Europe wants to remain the continent’s top partner. Africa has become a diplomatic battleground, with China, the United States and Russia competing for its minerals, energy potential and political support. The EU is currently the leading supplier of foreign direct investment to Africa, and trade in goods and services reached €467 billion in 2023. Nevertheless, the EU has faced setbacks, partly due to lingering resentment over the West’s colonial past. China has secured strategic resources in several countries, Russia has become the preferred security partner in others, and the Gulf states and Turkey have also made significant inroads, giving African nations greater choice and bargaining power.
To counter this competition, EU capitals need to present an attractive offer that can compete with other global powers. This would require investments in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects that generate employment and economic growth in Africa. African leaders are seeking credible, implementable commitments rather than lofty statements of support. Consequently, the summit will also address illegal migration to Europe, security cooperation and granting Africa a stronger voice in global governance bodies. Boosting trade will be a top priority, with the EU expected to share its expertise to help build intra‑African trade. At the same time, the EU will seek to secure critical minerals needed for its green transition and reduce its dependency on China for rare earths.
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