Luanda, Angola, 25th November 2025– Leaders from across Africa and Europe gathered in Luanda this week for the 7th African Union-European Union Summit, marking a quarter-century of strategic partnership between the two continents.
Held on 24–25 November, the high-level meeting was co-chaired by Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Portuguese President António Costa, AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Summit reaffirmed the AU-EU Joint Vision for 2030 and set a renewed agenda for cooperation in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Addressing delegates, President Costa emphasised the strength of unity in uncertain times: “Africa and Europe stand stronger together.” His remarks were echoed by President von der Leyen, who noted the growing pressures of geopolitical competition and politicised trade. “Africa and Europe need each other more than ever. We want to be partners of choice,” she said.
The Summit underscored shared commitments to job creation, youth empowerment, economic diversification, and reducing structural dependencies, while expanding access to capital, technology, and resources.
Both Unions reiterated their support for open, rules-based trade, with Europe maintaining its position as Africa’s largest trading partner, accounting for one-third of the continent’s trade.
Among the key announcements were the fresh backing for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); Milestone progress on the Lobito Corridor, which facilitated Angola’s first avocado exports to Europe this week and Renewed efforts to strengthen regional value chains, particularly in critical minerals.
President von der Leyen spotlighted the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which has mobilised over EUR 120 billion to date, with a target of EUR 150 billion by 2027. “We invest in local jobs and local value chains, this is Europe’s model,” she said.
With Africa holding 60% of the world’s top solar resources yet receiving just 2% of global clean-energy investment, leaders pledged to close the gap.
Key commitments include: Delivering clean electricity to 100 million people by 2030; Scaling up renewable energy through a EUR 15.5 billion pledge secured at the G20; and a Team Europe contribution of over EUR 400 million to support clean cooking initiatives.
“A just transition must be for all and it must be made in Africa,” von der Leyen affirmed.
The Summit reinforced support for a rules-based international order grounded in the UN Charter. Leaders called for urgent de-escalation in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and reiterated backing for peace efforts in Ukraine, the occupied Palestinian Territory, the Sahel, Somalia, and other conflict zones.
Both sides advocated predictable UN financing for AU-led peace operations and pledged closer collaboration against terrorism, organised crime, hybrid threats, and disinformation.
The AU and EU committed to expanding opportunities for young people through: Enhanced cooperation in education, research, and innovation; Broader academic and professional mobility; Balanced migration frameworks, including legal pathways and dignified reintegration; Greater support for the African diaspora as engines of innovation and investment.
In recognition of the UN’s 80th anniversary, leaders pledged to advance reforms for a more inclusive multilateral system. Priorities include overhauling the international financial architecture, driving ambitious climate action, and pursuing deep reform of the World Trade Organization ahead of its 2026 Ministerial Conference in Cameroon.
Looking ahead the AU and EU agreed to finalise a joint implementation plan within six months, enhance oversight through the Joint Monitoring Report, and strengthen political follow-up mechanisms. The next AU-EU Summit is scheduled to take place in Brussels.
