IN her annual policy address to the European Parliament, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the necessity for the European Union (EU) to enhance its engagement with African countries. She underscored the role of Russia in sowing discord in the Sahel region and the destabilising impact of military coups, which increase the risk of terrorism.
Von der Leyen stressed that these developments directly affect Europe’s security and prosperity. She called for a unified approach toward Africa, akin to the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine, urging a focus on cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organisations.
‘This is of direct concern for Europe – for our security and prosperity,’ von der Leyen said in her speech on Wednesday.
‘We need to show the same unity of purpose towards Africa as we have shown for Ukraine. We need to focus on cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organisations,’ she said.
The European Commission President’s remarks come as the EU’s commitments to major infrastructure investments in the global south progress slowly. Von der Leyen is widely anticipated to seek a second term as the head of the EU executive following a continent-wide election next year.
