The EU and China in Africa, mpox and shifting development priorities
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The Weekly Compass is back – now on Thursdays (and LinkedIn)! Do share it with friends and colleagues interested in international cooperation, as well as how the EU shapes its global role and partnership with Africa.
We have the names of all 27 European Commission candidates, but the long-awaited announcement of who will get which portfolios has been postponed until next Tuesday. President-elect Ursula von der Leyen must still resolve a number of issues before she can present the full team. Remember that each potential commissioner will need to pass a hearing in the European Parliament and get support from a majority of the political groups to pass.
So, the Brussels machine is rather preoccupied with itself, trying to figure out who will be responsible for what and how to interpret the reaction of European capitals to the Draghi report on European competitiveness, released last Monday. Meanwhile, away from the EU bubble, a large number of African leaders have returned home after what most of them saw as a very successful summit with China. The gathering concluded with a three-year action plan, backed by substantial financial support, spelling out Beijing’s vision for the African continent. It is hence no coincidence that our first paper after the summer break tackles precisely how the EU is seen in African countries, on its own merit and vis-à-vis China. We asked interviewees in three countries – the DRC, Morocco and South Africa – for their views on what the EU is doing to support their countries’ efforts towards a green transition.
In addition to the climate crisis, many African countries have to deal with a serious outbreak of the mpox virus. To control it, Africa needs access to millions of vaccines. We argue that Europe should learn from the mistakes it made during the COVID-19 pandemic and avoid an inward-looking response.
During the summer months, we continued working on what we hope are not just some of our but also your favourite topics. We published two commentaries, one on how the next EU leadership can engage better with partners and another on how to support digital literacy in Africa. Finally, we contributed to a number of external publications. All the details are below.
All the best,
Virginia Mucchi, Head of outreach and impact at ECDPM
Editor’s pick
Mariella Di Ciommo, Pauline Veron and Nadia Ashraf examine how the EU’s support is perceived by its partner countries, particularly in comparison to China, zooming in on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Morocco and South Africa and their green agendas.
Highlights
The mpox outbreak in Africa exposes the need for stronger global cooperation. EU countries’ reluctance to donate vaccines risks repeating mistakes from COVID-19 times, damaging the bloc’s reputation in Africa. Pauline Veron and Karim Karaki argue that by supporting Africa’s health efforts now, the EU can save lives, rebuild trust and strengthen its global influence.
Chloe Teevan explores Ursula von der Leyen's vision for Europe, emphasising the need for strategic international partnerships to address global challenges. For the new president, confirmed for a second term, and her Commission, building alliances and integrating economic and political dialogues are crucial to achieving the EU's goals in the coming years.
领英推荐
African countries eager to close the digital divide need more than cables and data centres. Their populations need the skills to use digital technologies for economic gain, but also the literacy to access public services and exercise their rights as citizens. The EU’s holistic concept of digital literacy can serve as a model – if the EU is able to translate its policies and principles into a coherent offer.
Publications we contributed to this summer
In a paper for Clingendael, several experts from European think tanks – including Alfonso Medinilla – outlined priorities for the new European Commission on energy diplomacy within the framework of the European Green Deal.
San Bilal contributed to an in-depth analysis of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, exploring four scenarios for 2030, authored by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS).
The e-book ‘Consolidating the African Continental Free Trade Area’ includes chapters by Bruce Byiers and Philomena Apiko, which focus on lessons for a continental industrial policy and an inclusive common African market.
Events
10-30 SEPTEMBER
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly is taking place in New York.
15 SEPTEMBER
It is the International Day of Democracy.
17 SEPTEMBER
ECDPM’s San Bilal will moderate the high-level event ‘Partnering on a global stage to enhance food security and food systems in Africa’, organised by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome. The event will focus on how IFAD can leverage the G7 Apulia Food Systems Initiative and mobilise investments for food security and nutrition in Africa.
17 SEPTEMBER
The Global Landscapes Forum 2024, themed ‘Greening the African horizon’, takes place online.
19-20 SEPTEMBER
ECDPM’s Pauline Veron will be speaking at the panel ‘The EU as a global player ? building strong partnerships or struggling with alliances?’ during the annual conference of the Institut für Europ?ische Politik (IEP).
19-21 SEPTEMBER
The 2024 International Conference on Sustainable Development will take place.
Other News
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