The European Commission and the High Representative/ Vice-President have set out today the EU's political priorities and concrete proposals for a stronger strategic partnership with Africa.

The European Commission and the High Representative / Vice-President present today a revitalised framework for joint action, to build a stronger strategic partnership between Europe and Africa for more prosperity and stability in the two continents. The Communication presents innovative proposals  in a number of key areas – such as peace and security, migration, job creation or energy – based  on priorities defined by African countries and stepping up the existing fruitful cooperation between the  two continents. This comes ahead of the Africa-EU Summit in November this year, which will put a  specific focus on youth.

At this occasion, High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini said: "2017 is the year for a new impetus of the partnership between Europe and Africa: every obstacle we may face is a common challenge, and Africa's hope is our hope. A strong Africa matters to Europe; our friendship matters to our people. Only by joining forces and working in partnership can we provide our youth with a more  hopeful and peaceful future. Today, we don't simply look at what we can do for Africa but what we can  do with Africa, together".

Neven Mimica, Commissioner in charge of International Cooperation and Development, added: "We propose several ideas and concrete measures on how to translate our priorities for the years to come  into action, notably to foster growth and to create more jobs, especially for youth. We have a solid offer on the table and we now want to discuss it further with EU Member States and with African  partners so that this offer materializes into something concrete and visible. More than ever citizens on  both sides of the Mediterranean need to see that the Africa-Europe strategic partnership is a reality which goes beyond words." 

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