Ahead of the upcoming European elections and amidst a litany of geopolitical shifts, the European Union must pay due diligence to its partnerships – particularly in undervalued sectors of cooperation such as the blue economy. Fostering partnerships, such as a strengthened Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership, presents significant opportunities both for Europe and Africa to reach climate neutrality and sustainable development goals, with benefits extending far beyond the Mediterranean Sea.
The EU finds itself at a critical juncture. The geopolitical context has shifted, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine refocusing EU policy on defence issues. Rising energy costs and dependencies on critical raw materials highlight Africa and Europe’s co-dependent economic model. Additionally, waning support from the United States (US) for multilateral institutions, and growing US-China tensions, signal further challenges for the EU on a global level.
Under these precarious circumstances, the EU must reassess its international partnerships and adapt its foreign policy strategy. While security and strategic autonomy remain important priorities, the EU should follow a comprehensive approach to its partnerships, encompassing economic, social and environmental aspects.
Investing in strategic partnerships, including with Africa, is vital to secure critical raw materials and green energy to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality objectives, while supporting Africa’s socio-economic transformation and industrialisation.
Strengthening an Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership is undoubtedly in the EU’s interest, particularly given the current geopolitical context and the emergence of Africa on the global scene, highlighted by the African Union’s inclusion in the G20. Ocean governance and the blue economy are of huge strategic importance for this renewed cooperation. With upcoming leadership changes in the EU in 2024 and the African Union Commission in 2025, decision-makers have a pivotal opportunity to forge innovative and resilient partnerships between the two continents.
The ocean holds immense potential for Africa and Europe’s respective coastal economies and climate and biodiversity goals. However, less than 1% of Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding goes to ocean development internationally, making SDG 14: ‘Life Below Water’ the most underfunded of all the SDGs.