EP04, Resolution on the relations between the EU and Africa
EPO4, Resolution on the relations between the EU and Africa (submitted by PC4-Global Europe)
Africa has for too long been the neglected continent. Life is often dominated by widespread poverty and appalling standards of living. Despite Europe’s colonial past and its potential on the world arena, few steps have been taken to ameliorate the conditions of the African people. It is high time for Europe to live up to its responsibilities and to actively engage in the development of the African continent. African development is essential for Europe’s security. State failure and conflicts not only sustain poverty, they can fuel organised crime as well as illicit trafficking and terrorism.
JEF-Europe:
- Regrets that the Millennium Development Goals remain far from being fulfilled. Despite the western politicians’ rhetorical support for the African development process, the current European trade and agricultural policies represent an obstacle to reaching these goals,
- Notes with deep concern that European countries have different policies towards Africa. Previous colonial powers pursue their own agendas mainly interested in their ex-colonies, while the rest of the countries remain uninvolved,
- Is disappointed about the serious delays in and inefficiency of European response to humanitarian crises in Africa.
Therefore JEF-Europe:
- Calls upon the EU to adopt a true single and integrated approach to prevent conflict in Africa, drawing on all instruments at its disposal, such as development, trade, economic, diplomatic, political and military means,
- Acknowledges the importance of the dialogue between the EU and the African Union and encourages the process of regional integration in Africa,
- Stresses that a precondition to combat corruption and ensuring good governance, is stimulating civil society and youth organisations in particular.
JEF-Europe concludes that in order for Europe to live up to its international commitments and play a decisive role in Africa, it definitely has to equip itself with a federal institutional framework with an underpinning constitution.
