The shared vision questions apply at the level of the overall framework of EU-Africa relations as well as for each theme. You can thus answer these questions either at the overall level or regarding the specific theme you are interested in (i.e. migration, peace and security, etc…).
1. What is the overall assessment of the current Europe-Africa dialogue and partnership?
An overall diagnosis of the strengths and weaknesses of the current policy frameworks, dialogue mechanisms and partnership approaches is a necessary step in moving towards a shared vision. The underlying questions should focus on essential aspects of the EU-Africa relationship: (i) what are the key achievements as well as major sources of tension of the EU-Africa relationship? (ii) What are the gaps or missing links in the current policy frameworks? (iii) On the implementation side, has the EU-Africa partnership been satisfactory and what are the reasons of its successes or failures?
2. What are the main changes needed in a new EU-Africa partnership?
In a long term perspective, what are the structural changes that are needed to overcome the past challenges in the EU-Africa relationship? How should the EU-Africa relationship be changed to take into account the new context framing EU-Africa relations (emergence of pan-African institutions, emergence of new partners for Africa, enlargement of the EU, rise of new issues such as security)?
3. How can the geographical coherence of the partnership be improved or how to treat Africa as one?
EU’s relations with Africa are divided into three different approaches, thus reflecting history as well as by various strategic and geopolitical concerns (Cotonou Partnership Agreement, European Neighbourhood Policy, Trade and Development Cooperation Agreement with South Africa). This split adds to the complexity of the Europe-Africa relationship and also raises the question of the coordination among the various actors involved. This fragmented relationship between the EU and Africa may undermine Africa’s search for continental integration and hamper efficient collaboration between the two Unions. Key questions that need to be answered are thus: How can Europe and Africa enter in a continent to continent relationship that respects internal dynamics? Should the future ‘joint strategy’ open the door to an in-depth revision of this fragmented relationship?
4. What should the place be for Non State actors in the new strategy?
To what extent should the future joint Strategy reinforce the ‘actors-dimension’ by adopting a truly inclusive approach, involving a wide range of institutional actors (Member States, Regional Economic Communities), non state actors as well as other stakeholders (e.g. European and African local government associations) all along the process (from the design of the new strategy up to implementation and monitoring) ? What concrete proposals could be made to better associate Non State Actors to the new Strategy at all levels (from the Strategic dialogue to the local level)? .
5. How can the monitoring of the joint Strategy be improved?
In a multi-actor partnership, how can the monitoring be more inclusive? How should the assessments or reviews be conducted in the future in order to better take into account the challenges in the implementation of the joint Strategy? This dimension has been rather weak in the current partnership approach and merits to be addressed more forcefully if the new joint strategy aims at being an effective instrument to deliver sustainable development impact.
6. How can the dialogue be improved in light of a more effective delivery?
The current framework of dialogue between the EU and Africa is also fragmented, mirroring the multiplicity of cooperation agreements and related dialogue arrangements. How could the dialogue modalities be revised in order to ensure ownership of the process by the various institutional actors and other concerned actors and stakeholders?
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