EU Pledges Support to African Integration: Ambassador Pérez Hails Pan-African Parliament as Key to Future Partnerships
By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA – The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its commitment to a robust partnership with the African Union (AU), emphasizing solidarity and support for Africa’s integration and development goals.
Speaking at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Headquarters on the sidelines of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament , H.E. Javier Niño Pérez, the EU Ambassador to the African Union, delivered a message of long-term cooperation and mutual respect.
Ambassador Pérez reflected on the 25-year history since the first Africa-Euro Summit, acknowledging the partnership as an “emotional platform” now maturing into a necessary alliance.
He stressed that strong multilateralism, which is currently “under attack” in international relations, underpins the relationship.
The EU’s long-term desire is for “respect and cooperation” to guide their shared future.Crucially, the Ambassador highlighted the PAP’s role in the continent’s stability and progress.
The EU is looking towards stronger integration across Africa, seeing the PAP as essential to “counter ongoing conflicts” and drive institutional reform.
Pérez offered strong commendation for the work done by both the EU and AU on reforms aimed at accelerating African integration.
“As EU, we are behind you,” Pérez stated emphatically. He confirmed that the EU intends to actively support Africa in achieving sustainable development, fostering sustainable inclusive societies, and advancing other “essential work.”The Ambassador’s remarks signal the EU’s recognition of the PAP as a vital partner in achieving these goals.
By commending the Parliament’s efforts and emphasizing strong corporation, Pérez positions the EU firmly in support of the African integration process, ensuring the partnership remains resilient against global challenges. The focus now shifts to delivering concrete outcomes ahead of the major EU-Africa Summit in Rwanda later this year.
