6th European Union–African Union Summit: European and African leaders lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper partnership

For the next two days, Commission President von der Leyen, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/ Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, will attend the 6th European Union–African Union Summit (EU-AU), which gathers leaders from the EU and the AU, their respective Member States and a limited number of observers. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, will co-chair the proceedings together with President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, as current Chairperson of the AU. The EU-AU Summits take place traditionally every three years, alternating between Africa and Europe. The current Summit was initially scheduled in 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Summit will present a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper AU-EU partnership, with the highest political involvement and based on trust and a clear understanding of mutual interests. The aim is to launch an ambitious Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package, to step up investments in infrastructure, healthcare and education, taking into account global challenges, such as climate change and the current health crisis. The talks will also cover tools and solutions to promote stability and security through a renewed peace and security architecture. Leaders will discuss a wide range of topics such as financing for sustainable and inclusive growth; climate change and energy transition, digital and transport, connectivity and infrastructure; peace, security and governance; private sector support and economic integration; education, culture and vocational training, migration and mobility; agriculture and sustainable development; strengthening of health systems and boosting local vaccine production. A declaration on a joint vision for 2030 is expected to be adopted by the participants tomorrow. President von der Leyen will speak at the opening ceremony, also attended by Commissioner Urpilainen, today at +/- 14:45 CET and take part in the press conference after the Summit on Friday at +/- 14:00 CET, livestreamed on EbS. President von der Leyen‘s opening speech will be available online this afternoon. She will also participate in the Summit roundtable on climate and energy transition, digital and infrastructure. More information in the factsheets on the Team Europe global response to COVID-19; the Global Gateway strategy and the Europe Africa Global Gateway Investment plan.