Africa-EU relations – which way forward?

There is a strong political commitment to create an equal relationship between Africa and the European Union. What does this actually mean? What are the concrete actions and policies that can take the relationship up to the next level?

Time: Monday, November 12, 9–12
Venue: Aalto EE / Carlsson-Schafhauser, Mechelininkatu 3 C, 00100 Helsinki

We invite you to discuss the future direction of Africa-EU-relations in a seminar organised by the European Commission Representation in Finland and Kehys, the Finnish NGDO Platform to the EU.

The African Union and the European Union are tightening their relations. Crucial elements for the new type of partnership are the EU’s next Multi-Annual-Financial Framework and the negotiations for post-Cotonou regime.  The importance of the Africa-EU relations was also emphasised in the recent State of the Union by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on 12 September and his proposal for a new Africa-Europe Alliance.

These issues will unavoidably be on the EU agenda of the Finnish EU Presidency in 2019 and among the policy priorities of the next European Commission.

The seminar will start with a discussion on the ongoing policies and processes between Africa and the EU between Patrick Develtere (European Policy and Strategy Centre of EC President Juncker) and Karine Sohet  (ActAlliance EU). After this we will hear the Finnish political parties debating the future of Africa and EU especially from the perspective of youth.

The programme is available here. There might still be few slight changes to the schedule. The full list of speakers will be published soon.

Please register your participation by Thursday 8th of November via the registration on Kehys website.