Differences in vaccination rates and corona-related travel restrictions rub the gap between the EU and African countries. According to EU Development Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen, organizing the meeting is an achievement in itself.
BRUSSELS The EU-AU summit has had to be postponed several times because of the corona. Getting the twenty-seven EU leaders and some 40 African leaders under one roof is therefore a small achievement in itself.
– Yes, it is a strong signal that Africa continues to see Europe as a close partner, EU Commissioner for Development Jutta Urpilainen says in an interview.
Urpilainen is responsible for the development of EU development cooperation and the Union’s international partnerships. Particular emphasis is placed on closer relations with Africa. The challenges on the continents are much the same.
– Here is an opportunity to discuss the treatment of the pandemic, but above all the recovery and how we support the green and digital transition in Africa. The same challenges apply to the European Union, Urpilainen reflects
Vaccines and travel restrictions are rubbing
Then Korona struck. Ambitious goals Deepening relations with Africa were allowed to give way to acute crisis management. The spread of omicronism was first responded to by restricting travel from southern Africa to Europe.
– It is understandable that there have been criticisms in Africa that they are so far behind in terms of vaccinations, Urpilainen says.
Several African countries are expressed a wish about it (you move to another service)that patent rights for coronary vaccines could be temporarily waived to alleviate the coronary situation. According to Urpilainen, better results are obtained by exporting and donating vaccines and investing in local production.
– It is important to continue to ensure that we are able to produce more vaccines in Africa.
France is investing in Africa
– President Emmanuel Macron is personally committed to taking the African agenda, which I am very pleased about. France played a strong role in making this summit possible at all.
Urpilainen is pleased that President Macron is aware of the importance of young people for the future of Africa.
– 60 per cent of the population is young people under the age of 25, which is why it is not insignificant what young people in Africa think and what opportunities they have in their lives, Urpilainen says.
Education and training issues are also at the heart of the Africa Summit agenda. Among other things, the hope is to train and recruit new teachers in sub-Saharan Africa.
Many EU countries do not have a relationship with Africa comparable to that of France and other former colonial states. Nevertheless, Africa policy has a common denominator, Urpilainen states.
– Everyone considers the relationship with Africa important. There is a fateful link between Europe and the African continents. What will happen in Africa in the future will affect Europe.
The crisis in Ukraine overshadows the meeting
Once the corona crisis has eased to the point that a summit can be held, more dark clouds have piled up on the horizon. The threat of war against Ukraine is distracting from the Africa theme.
EU leaders are due to discuss the situation in Ukraine before the actual summit begins.
– The situation in Ukraine is very serious and is monitored almost hour by hour. I hope that a solution will be found to the crisis through diplomacy, Urpilainen says.
According to Urpilainen, the summit, which has been postponed many times, deserves its place.
– It is important that the focus this week is on Africa. I hope that will be the case.
According to Urpilainen, the Commission is ready to react if Russia decides to attack Ukraine.
– Sanctions have been prepared here in case Russia takes military action. In that sense, be as prepared as you can be for such a situation.