Meeting in Brussels for their third joint ministerial session since 2022, the delegations reviewed progress since the last EU–AU summit and signed off on a statement reaffirming multilateralism, international law and a "just and equitable" global order. They also agreed to tighten economic links, create more resilient markets and encourage investment that supports inclusive growth.

"In the pursuit of peace and security, we underlined the need for continued cooperation," the communiqué read.

A different world since the 2022 summit

Much has changed since EU and AU ministers last met: Russia has launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sudan has descended into civil war and France's influence in the Sahel has waned as Niamey, Bamako and others pivot toward Moscow. EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas called the EU "Africa's first and closest partner" but warned of a "battle of narratives" in which Russian disinformation campaigns were gaining traction, especially in African countries.

"We must counter these narratives and fight misinformation," she said.

A new EU envoy for the Sahel

With France's military mission now gone from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, Brussels is reassessing its Sahel strategy. Kallas announced the appointment of a new EU special representative for the region and said she had sought input from African counterparts on what form renewed cooperation should take. More than half of all EU security and defence missions already operate in Africa, she noted, and EU support through the European Peace Facility has topped €1 billion.

Shared crises, shared priorities

While Europe grapples with Russia's war on Ukraine and a shifting trans-Atlantic relationship, African leaders are focused on ending Sudan's conflict and violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The ministers identified joint priorities that include critical raw materials, artificial intelligence, regional integration, migration and mobility, and response to climate change.

The African Union, which became a full member of the G20 last year, praised the EU for championing its accession. The two blocs will mark the 25th anniversary of their partnership later this year at the seventh EU–AU summit, to be hosted in Africa.