Juncker proposes new alliance with Africa

12 Sep 18

The European Commission head has proposed a new partnership between the EU and Africa to boost investment, jobs and economic relations in the continent.

The Africa-Europe Alliance would be expected to create 10 million jobs in the next five years, give 24 million people access to roads and bring electricity to 30 million people and companies.

The package would also strengthen economic ties between the regions and allow free trade through a “continent-to-continent” agreement, Jean-Claude Juncker has said.

Africa does not need charity, it needs true and fair partnership. And we, Europeans need this partnership just as much,” Juncker said in his state of the union address today.

“I believe we should develop the numerous EU-African trade agreements into a continent-to-continent free trade agreement, as an economic partnership between equals."

Vice-president of the European Commission Federica Mogherini added: “Europe and Africa share many of the same interests: we both want a stronger Africa – with quality jobs for its youth, a better business climate, and peace and security for all.

“In these years we have started to build a real partnership of equals with Africa.

“We are already strong political partners, the next step is to be true economic partners and deepen our trade and investment relationship.”

The EU will consult with its African partners in the coming months on the proposal.

Between 2014 and 2020, the EU is providing €30bn in official development assistance to Africa to boost the continent’s economy.

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