Questioning old certainties: challenges for Africa-EU relations in 2012

In Europe, the financial crisis raises uncertainty about the strength of the European Union’s foundations. Parts of Africa, meanwhile, are witnessing vigorous growth and increasing moves towards democracy. The contrast between the two images is increasingly marked. Added to this, Europe is putting in place a new institutional architecture following the Lisbon Treaty, and in North Africa the Arab Spring is mounting a challenge to poor governance. The scene that emerges is thus an uncertain one for political interaction between the European bloc of 27 states and Africa’s 54 countries.

This paper highlights key issues and fora to watch in 2012, when many of these issues will play out. After a brief description of the context, it sketches the scene through three lenses in turn. The first is the Lisbon Treaty’s emphasis on values in EU external action such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The second lens is that of changes in Africa and what this is likely to mean for Africa’s relations with its northern neighbour. The third lens is Europe’s newfound boldness in advancing its own interests externally and how this might affect EU relations with Africa. A question repeatedly asked throughout this paper is whether the overall goal of advancing Europe’s interests is reconcilable with the values that the EU is committed to pursue.