The European Union needs to engage more with African countries, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has urged.
The EU chief made the call to members of the bloc on Wednesday during her annual policy speech to the European Parliament.
“This is of direct concern for Europe – for our security and prosperity,” President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said before she accused Russia of instigating violence in the Sahel.
Ursula said the series of military coups have destabilised the region, increasing the susceptibility of African countries to terrorism.
Ursula added that the EU needs “to show the same unity of purpose towards Africa as we have shown for Ukraine. We need to focus on cooperation with legitimate governments and regional organisations.”
The EU chief is likely to seek another term as head of the bloc after the continent’s election in 2024.
According to reports, the European Union had promised to finance some major infrastructure in the global south but has made little progress.
In July, the European Union (EU) indicated its desire to negotiate with Egypt and Morocco to establish partnerships resembling a recently concluded agreement with Tunisia.
The partnerships primarily focused on addressing irregular immigration, as stated by a European source.
The EU signed a memorandum of understanding with Tunisia in Tunis, solidifying a “comprehensive strategic partnership.”
The partnership encompasses various aspects, including the country’s economic development, renewable energies, and migration concerns.
Regarding migration, the agreement involves European aid amounting to 105 million euros, aimed at preventing the departure of migrant boats from Tunisian coasts to the EU and combatting smugglers.
It also aims to facilitate the return of Tunisians residing irregularly in the EU to Tunisia, as well as the repatriation of migrants from sub-Saharan Africa back to their countries of origin.
The President of the European Commission expressed her desire for the partnership to serve as a model for future agreements with countries in the region.