Luanda, Angola – The Pan-African Parliament and the European Parliament issued a joint declaration tonight, following the African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Parliamentary Pre-Summit held on 14–15 November 2025 in Midrand, South Africa.
The declaration, presented by H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, and H.E. Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament, sets out renewed commitments to democratic governance, accountability, and citizen-centred development as both continents mark 25 years of partnership.
The pre-summit meeting brought together lawmakers to coordinate messages and recommendations for AU–EU Heads of State and Government at the ongoing 7th AU–EU Summit. Parliamentarians called for strengthened multilateral cooperation, equitable trade, climate resilience, and sustainable industrialisation in Africa.
Leaders also addressed peace and security challenges, condemning violence in Sudan, ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and instability in the Middle East and Sahel. They urged dialogue, African-led peace processes, and protection of civilians, particularly women and children.
Youth development and mobility emerged as key priorities, with calls for expanded scholarship schemes, vocational training, and support for African start-ups. The declaration proposes a dedicated Africa–EU Youth Innovation Fund to boost entrepreneurship and skills exchange.
Economic cooperation was also highlighted. Parliamentarians called for a Europe–Africa industrialisation pact, investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management while avoiding unsustainable debt. Cultural cooperation was recognised as essential for mutual understanding, with commitments to artistic exchanges and restitution of cultural heritage.
The declaration outlined mechanisms to institutionalise parliamentary engagement, including annual Africa–EU parliament-to-parliament meetings and the creation of a permanent civil society and youth forum. Both parliaments pledged to ensure democratic oversight, measurable progress, and accountability in the implementation of AU–EU initiatives.
Read the full Joint Declaration:
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