African and EU leaders in Brussels to strengthen ties
† Source: AP
Brussels
Nearly eighty heads of state and African governments met for two days in Brussels to strengthen ties and strengthen economic cooperation. Disagreements and resentment about tackling illegal migration from African countries to the European Union had cooled the relationship in recent years, but now it is time for new impetus, they believe.
The European Union is ready to invest billions in the African Union (AU), the alliance of all African countries on behalf of Morocco. Especially in infrastructure and sustainability, but also to help Africa develop and produce vaccines. Most EU data is not for patenting Covid-19 vaccines.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says 150 billion euros are available for investment until 2028. A sum of money and loans from interest, the IMF, EU financial institutions and private investors. Also drawn from the Global Gateway Initiative, a plan she presented in December as a “democratic and economic response” to China’s investment in Africa. According to a diplomat, there is a large list of ideas for prestigious projects, “a card like in a Chinese restaurant”.
All 27 EU leaders are in attendance, but four countries suspended by the AU have not been invited, including Mali and Sudan.
During the mass interest, the celebrations are held over seven themed tables. Prime Minister Mark Rutte will co-chair the round table ‘Support of the private sector and economic integration’ on Thursday. On Thursday evening, the company dines in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
The summit is overshadowed by concerns about Ukraine and Russia. Before meeting the Africans, EU leaders hold emergency talks on military developments in the region.