Local EU Statement congratulating the African Union on the occasion of Africa Day

The European Union (EU) Delegation and the EU Member States accredited to the African Union (AU) and resident in Addis Ababa warmly congratulate our sisters and brothers at the African Union and its Member States on the occasion of Africa Day. May is a special month for Africa and Europe, as both Unions celebrate cooperation, peace and unity. These messages are more relevant than ever.

On this day, we acknowledge the economic and political integration progress made on the African continent since the signing of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963. Agenda 2063 reflects African leaders’ vision for the future. The European Union will continue to support the AU in its aspirations.

Today is the occasion to recall the European Union’s strong commitment to a renewed partnership with the African Union, as expressed in February 2022 at the 6th EU-AU Summit. Our Joint Vision aims at building a common future, as closest partners and neighbours, based on solidarity, security and sustained economic development.

As the African Union devotes 2022 to the Year of Nutrition for Africa, the European Union is well aware how the Russian aggression against Ukraine is impacting African economies and their food security in particular. That is why the EU is dedicated to mitigate the consequences of food insecurity at all levels: through humanitarian actions, by contributing to boosting production and resilience, promoting food trade and, by committing to effective multilateralism.

We, the EU ambassadors, on the occasion of Africa Day, reaffirm that we will spare no efforts to strengthen the EU-AU partnership for the benefit of all our citizens. We therefore reaffirm our determination to work jointly, including at multilateral level, for better future for both Africans and Europeans.