european and African Union leaders have convened in Luanda, Angola, for the seventh EU-AU summit, marking 25 years of partnership and coinciding with significant independence anniversaries for many African nations. The meeting underscores a growing effort to forge a more equitable and collaborative relationship between the two continents amid increasing global challenges. Ahead of the summit, European leaders also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a unified stance as peace negotiations continue. A joint declaration outlining key areas of cooperation is expected to emerge from the Luanda talks, signaling a renewed commitment to a shared future.
European leaders are calling for a strengthened partnership with the African Union, outlining a vision for increased cooperation on key global challenges as they convene for a major summit in Luanda, Angola. The push for a “bold and future-oriented” relationship comes at a time of increasing geopolitical complexity and shared concerns over issues like climate change and security.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen detailed their proposal in a joint article published Monday, November 24, 2025, coinciding with the opening of the seventh European Union-African Union summit. The article can be found here.
“We stand side by side, learning valuable lessons from the history we share, and inspired by new common ambitions resolutely focused on the future,” the two leaders wrote. This sentiment underscores the importance both continents place on building a more collaborative relationship.
Jornal da Tarde | 24 de novembro de 2025
This year marks both the 25th anniversary of the EU-AU partnership and the 50th anniversary of independence for Angola and many other African nations, a historical context the leaders emphasized. “Europe and Africa are linked to each other in a rapidly changing world that demands solidarity, innovation, and a common purpose,” they stated.
The leaders highlighted the interconnected nature of current global challenges. “The challenges we currently face – climate change, digital transformation, irregular migration, conflicts and insecurity – know no borders,” they wrote. “The response to this multipolar world must be multipolar cooperation. And together, Africa and Europe can show the way.”
“Africa and Europe are united in ambition,” the leaders affirmed.
Focusing on the potential of Africa’s youth, Costa and von der Leyen outlined plans to create more green jobs and promote digital growth to expand opportunities for young Africans. They also pointed to ongoing investment projects supporting initiatives ranging from vaccine production to sustainable agriculture.
“We are driving Africa’s future in terms of clean energy,” they said, noting a campaign that “has already mobilized 15.5 billion euros to accelerate this transformation” in renewable energy.
Regarding peace and security, the leaders stated that Europe is Africa’s closest ally, having allocated over one billion euros through the European Peace Facility and deploying 12 civilian and military missions in close collaboration with African counterparts to support African-led solutions.
Collaboration in education is also a priority, they added, pointing to the tens of thousands of students and professionals who “have been exchanging knowledge and experiences through EU-supported programs.”
Looking ahead to the next 25 years, the leaders sent a clear message from Luanda: “Africa and Europe are united in ambition, equal partners in the partnership, and determined to unlock the potential of our citizens, especially our youth.”
The summit’s agenda includes discussions on peace, security, governance, and migration, with a joint declaration expected to be released following the talks.
Prior to the EU-AU summit, European leaders met to discuss the war in Ukraine. European Council President António Costa stated Monday that he had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “to get his assessment of the situation.”
“A united and coordinated EU position is crucial in ensuring a good outcome of peace negotiations – for Ukraine and for Europe,” Costa wrote on social media.
Spoke with @ZelenskyyUa ahead of this morning’s informal 🇪🇺 EU leaders’ meeting on 🇺🇦 Ukraine peace efforts, to get his assessment of the situation.
A united and coordinated EU position is key in ensuring a good outcome of peace negotiations – for Ukraine and for Europe.
— António Costa (@eucopresident) November 24, 2025
The summit in Luanda is being co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, with the EU also represented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the African Union by Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is also participating, “reinforcing Portugal’s position as a country committed to deepening relations between the European Union and the African continent,” according to a government statement.
