ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (BG) – The African Union and the European Union have launched a year-long celebration to mark 25 years of partnership since the inaugural Africa-Europe Summit held April 3–4, 2000, in Cairo.

This milestone aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Package, emphasizing a powerful collaboration between two unions representing over 1.9 billion people and more than 40% of the United Nations’ membership.

Leading up to the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on May 21, 2025, the AU and EU will host a series of events highlighting the progress and shared achievements of the partnership.

These initiatives showcase joint projects, enhance public understanding, and foster open dialogue on common challenges. The activities will culminate in the 7th AU-EU Summit, which will be held in Africa later this year.

The 25th anniversary also reinforces the Joint Vision for 2030, structured around four pillars: prosperity, peace, people, and planet.

Key Pillars of the AU-EU Partnership:

Prosperity focuses on sustainable economic growth and regional integration, supported by the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package.

The EU remains Africa’s leading trading partner, working closely with the AU to boost trade, investment, health, and education.

Peace, Security and Governance emphasizes joint efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote stability through African-led initiatives, with EU backing for peacekeeping and governance reforms.

People focus on human development, with a focus on collaboration in education, gender equality, youth empowerment, and migration.

Planet reflects the shared commitment to multilateralism and environmental sustainability.

As global actors, the AU and EU are promoting joint action on climate change and strengthening the international system through the G20 and initiatives like the Pact for the Future.

This 25-year partnership continues to evolve, grounded in shared values and forward-looking cooperation.