An informal ‘Brain Storm’ lunch meeting on the joint EU-Africa Strategy took place at the European Parliament (EP) on the 21 March. The aim was to discuss the consultation on the Strategy, and the role of parliamentarians in this process.
The meeting attracted over 70 participants, including many African parliamentarians present in Brussels at the time to attend the Committee of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA). Several European MEPs attended the meeting, as well as representatives from the European Commission and the European Council.
Maria Martens (European Parliament – Rapporteur of the EP Report on the Joint EU-Africa Strategy) who hosted the meeting opened it with introductory remarks, followed by short speeches by Philippe Darmuzey (European Commission, DG Development, Panafrican issues), HE Mr Annadif (Ambassador of the African Union in Brussels) and Chris Fomunyoh (Senior Associate for Africa and Regional Director at National Democratic Institute, South Africa). The speakers expressed the view that the strategy provides an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the continents. Mr. Darmuzey specifically presented the public consultation as an opportunity to engage in an “innovative process”. Mr. W. Vetter (European Council, Policy unit – Task Force Africa) and Mr. M. Gahler (MEP, leader of the EP delegation in the Panafrican Parliament) were then invited by the Chair Mrs Mertens to share their own experiences of the process.
The hour of discussions that followed emphasised the importance of involving parliaments in the process, at continental, regional and national levels, as well as other actors, such as the Regional Economic Communities, media and civil society. The hope was expressed by several participants that this Strategy will offer the opportunity of a renewed partnership, that goes beyond development cooperation and aid dimensions, and in which experiences can be shared both ways.
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