Ahead of the 7th AU–EU Summit, scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola, on 24–25 November 2025, the African Union(AU) and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the AU have launched the “#AUEU25 Through Our Lens” Photography Competition as part of the year-long commemoration marking 25 years of the African Union–European Union (AU–EU) Partnership.
As both Unions prepare to meet in Luanda to chart the next phase of their strategic partnership, the “#AUEU25 Through Our Lens” Photography Competition invites young photographers (aged 30 and below) from Africa and Europe to capture, through powerful and creative imagery, the stories of impact, progress, and collaboration that have shaped communities across both continents. From community empowerment and entrepreneurship to environmental innovation, health resilience, and cultural exchange, the competition celebrates the spirit of partnership and shared progress that has defined AU–EU cooperation since its inception.
Competition Highlights
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Free Entry: Participation is open and free of charge.
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International Exposure: The top 25 finalists will have their work exhibited in Addis Ababa, with a potential satellite exhibition in Brussels.
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Digital Showcase: Selected entries will be featured in a special online gallery shared with AU and EU missions worldwide.
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Visibility: All selected works will be promoted through AU and EU digital and social media platforms.
Grand Prizes
Two overall winners one African and one European will each receive:
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A €500 cash prize;
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A fully funded trip to Addis Ababa for the award ceremony, planned for early December 2025;
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A speaking opportunity during the exhibition launch;
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Exclusive networking opportunities with AU and EU officials, photographers, and creative industry stakeholders.
Key Dates
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Submission Deadline: 7 November 2025
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Finalists Announcement: Mid-November 2025
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Award Ceremony: Planned for early December 2025 (dates to be confirmed)
How to Participate
Each participant may submit up to three original photographs in English or French. The competition is open to photographers aged 30 years or younger from Africa and Europe.
Your photograph, our shared future. Click here to submit your work
Join the conversation and share your vision using #AUEU25 and #ThroughOurLens.
Key Pillars of the AU-EU Partnership:
1. Prosperity: a prosperous and sustainable Africa and Europe
The AU and EU are committed to fostering regional economic integration and sustainable growth, bringing together people, regions, and organisations. The AU and EU work together on sustainable trade and investment that create growth and jobs, as well as, on accelerating the green and digital transitions strengthening health systems and improving education and skills.
2. Peace, Security and Governance: Partnering for Stability
The AU and EU remain steadfast in their joint commitment to peace, security, and good governance, recognizing that stability, the rule of law, and strong democratic institutions are essential foundations for sustainable development. Both Unions collaborate closely to advance peace and stability across the continent through civilian and military training missions, and by strengthening the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) as a cornerstone for conflict prevention, management, and post-conflict reconstruction in Africa.
3. People: Investing in Human Development
Human development remains at the core of the AU-EU partnership. Joint initiatives on migration and mobility, education, culture, exchange opportunities, social inclusion and humanitarian affairs, empower people, especially women and youth, to build prosperous and inclusive societies. The AU and EU are committed to the rule of law, good governance, democratic principles, respect for human rights, gender equality, and justice.
4. Planet: A Global Force for Multilateralism and Sustainability
Representing more than 40% of the UN’s membership, the AU and EU are a formidable force for strong support for the multilateral system, with the UN Charter at its core, and for environmental sustainability. Both are working to increase the legitimacy and effectiveness of the multilateral system: cooperation within the G20, chaired by South Africa, and the Pact for the Future are two examples. Together, they are driving global action to promote shared fundamental values and to address climate change and protect the planet.
AU: Website: au.int | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
EU EEAS: X/ Facebook/ Youtube - / Instagram / LinkedIn / Website/ Press Material
EU Delegation to the AU: Website / X / Facebook /
Media Contact:
Ms. Faith Adhiambo | Communications Officer-Agenda 2063 | African Union Commission | Email: ochiengj@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Mrs. Rita Fortunato Baptista I Political Officer & Strategic Communication | European Union Delegation to the AU | E-mail: Rita.FORTUNATO-BAPTISTA@eeas.europa.eu
Mr Biruk Feleke I Press & Information Officer | European Union Delegation to the AU | E-mail: biruk.feleke@eeas.europa.eu
