AU–EU relations: Challenges in forging and implementing a joint agenda

Abstract

ABSTRACTDespite continued engagement between the European Union (EU) and Africa, cooperation continues to present challenges. The EU is frequently viewed as ‘the donor’ and Africa as ‘the recipient’, creating an unequal partnership. This paper analyses EU–Africa cooperation on common priority areas, namely governance, democracy, human rights, peace and security, and migration. While the parties have developed joint frameworks for cooperation and concluded relevant agreements, overall implementation has been limited owing to differences in capacities, perceptions and priorities. The article seeks to analyse how these differences have hindered the implementation of EU–Africa policy frameworks for joint action. Often, solutions are seen as imposed instead of owned – especially in Africa. Building trust is thus essential, through redefining the basis for cooperation between the EU and Africa and analysing what has and has not worked in the implementation of their cooperation framework.