The first Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, held this week in Eswatini, concluded with strong calls from Members of the ECR Group for a more balanced partnership between Europe and Africa based on sovereignty, mutual respect, security and economic development rather than paternalism and dependency.

Throughout the Assembly, ECR representatives argued that Europe’s relationship with Africa must move beyond symbolic declarations and bureaucratic approaches, and instead focus on concrete cooperation capable of delivering stability, prosperity and security for citizens on both continents.

Several priorities promoted by ECR Members were ultimately reflected in the Assembly’s final recommendations to the Africa–EU Council of Ministers, including stronger cooperation on migration management, return and readmission, enhanced joint action against irregular migration and human trafficking, as well as closer Africa–EU security cooperation against terrorism, organised crime and destabilising foreign interference.

Nicolas Bay, Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, said:

“Europe and Africa share a common interest in fighting uncontrolled migration, terrorism, trafficking networks, and regional instability.”

“African citizens expect concrete results not more bureaucracy and endless summits.”

“Effective cooperation must combine strong border protection, the fight against illegal migration: without security, there can be neither development nor long-term stability.”

Arkadiusz Mularczyk said:

“Peace and security in Africa cannot rely only on military tools or diplomatic declarations. They require strong institutions, responsible leadership, and trust between nations: Europe learned after the Second World War that lasting peace can only be built through cooperation and strong institutions.”

“International cooperation must be based on sovereign nations, mutual respect, and equal partnership.”

Sebastian Tynkkynen said:

“Africa is rich in resources, talent, and potential. For too long, outside powers have exploited both its people and its wealth.”

“Africa carries a quarter of the world’s disease burden, yet has only 3 per cent of global health workers because too many specialists are leaving the continent.”

“True sovereignty will not be built with European money, but by protecting African talent and allowing African solutions to African challenges: a continent that exports its best brains will always remain dependent on those who buy them.”