European External Action Service

04/03/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2025 18:50

Looking back: key moments over 25 years of AU-EU Partnership

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Looking back: key moments over 25 years of AU-EU Partnership

Celebrations for the 25th anniversary of the first AU-EU Summit are now underway. Follow with the hashtag #AUEU25.

© European Union

In 2025, the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) celebrate 25 years of their unique and successful partnership . The formal political agreement between the organisations has provided invaluable opportunities for both continents to develop their economic, cultural and political ties.

Join the celebrations on social media using the hashtag #AUEU25.

Below is a look back at the key milestones and achievements of this 25-year journey.

3-4 April 2000: The First Summit in Cairo, Egypt

Titled 'A New Dimension to Our Global Partnership for the 21s Century', the first-ever Africa-EU Summit set the framework for constructive dialogue with leaders from both sides first committing to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties. Follow the link to watch a video of the Opening Ceremony.

Key Achievements:

It set the foundation for a long-term partnership between Africa and Europe built on common values, equality, mutual respect, and cooperation.

December 2007: Lisbon Summit, Portugal

The Lisbon Summit was a turning point in the partnership. It followed the creation of the African Union (AU) and its economic programme.

Key Achievements:

  • Adoption of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, the first long-term framework for cooperation.
  • Establishment of an institutional structure and funding mechanisms for key actions.

November 2010: Tripoli Summit, Libya

Called "Connecting EU and Africa", the third summit focused on economic growth and job creation, highlighting the importance of stronger economic ties and regional integration.

Key achievements:

  • Adoption of the Tripoli Declaration, which included the second Action Plan (2011-2013) for the Joint Africa-EU Strategy.
  • Reinforced cooperation in eight thematic areas, including peace, security, and sustainable development.
  • The AU and EU adopted a Joint Declaration on Climate Change to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

April 2014, Brussels Summit, Belgium

With the title " ", the fourth summit focused on human capital development, economic growth, and peace with specific focus on creating opportunities for young people through education and training. Follow the link to learn more about the AU-EU Summit of 2014.

Key Achievements:

  • Adoption of a roadmap for EU-Africa relations (2014-2017).
  • Largest AU-EU Summit ever, with 90 delegations in attendance.

November 2017, Abidjan Summit, Côte d'Ivoire

A Youth-Centred Summit. With young people at the heart of the partnership, the AU and EU asserted their role in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Key Achievements:

  • Acknowledgement of global frameworks such as the UN's 2030 Agenda on sustainable development and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
  • Focus on aligning priorities with Africa's Agenda 2063.
  • The fourth Africa-Europe Youth Summit brought together 120 youth leaders, who presented recommendations for the Summit.

European Union

Image from the 2017 AU-EU Summit in Abidjan

February 2022, Brussels Summit, Belgium

With the theme 'A Joint Vision for 2030' the summit provided a renewed commitment to solidarity, security, and sustainable development.

Key Achievement:

The two Unions adopted a Joint vision for 2030, aligned with the African Agenda 2063 and the EU political priorities.

Looking Ahead: The 7th AU-EU Summit

As we look forward to the 7th Summit, the partnership continues to be a beacon of cooperation and progress, focused mainly on four pillars: Prosperity, Peace, People and Planet.

Over the past 25 years, the AU-EU partnership has evolved into a robust framework for collaboration. From its beginnings in Cairo in 2000 to the adoption of a Joint Vision for 2030 in 2022, Africa and Europe have strengthened their ties, addressing global challenges, a strong commitment to multilateralism and creating more opportunities for their citizens.

2025 will be another milestone with the African and European leaders meeting at the Ministerial format on May 21 in Brussels and the heads of government at the Summit to be hosted in Africa.