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    African Bishops’ call for Justice reshapes EU-Africa Relations

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    VATICAN CITY: On May 21, 2025, foreign ministers from the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) convened in Brussels for the third EU-AU Ministerial Meeting, marking the 25th anniversary of their partnership. This gathering aimed to assess progress and strengthen cooperation on issues such as peace, security, governance, multilateralism, prosperity, and migration.

    In the lead-up to the meeting, a joint statement from the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) urged a reevaluation of the EU-Africa partnership. The bishops emphasized that Africa requires justice and equitable collaboration, not charity or exploitation.

    The bishops expressed concern over a shift in European priorities, noting a move away from solidarity and development cooperation toward narrowly defined geopolitical and economic interests. They highlighted that initiatives under the EU’s Global Gateway, while presented as mutually beneficial, often replicate extractive patterns of the past, privileging European corporate aims over the needs of African communities.

    Specific issues raised included large-scale land acquisitions without the consent of local communities, the export of hazardous pesticides banned in Europe to African countries, and the use of African land for Europe’s green energy projects. The bishops called for policies that protect African ecosystems, promote agroecology, and respect the sacredness of land.

    The EU-AU Ministerial Meeting acknowledged the importance of a balanced partnership and the need to address these concerns. Discussions emphasized the significance of mutual respect, environmental stewardship, and the centrality of human dignity in shaping future collaborations.

    This dialogue between religious leaders and policymakers underscores the evolving dynamics of EU-Africa relations, highlighting the necessity for partnerships grounded in justice and shared values.

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