The Joint Africa–EU Strategy was launched at the Lisbon summit in 2007. It expressed an intention to move beyond a relationship framed mainly around aid and toward sustained cooperation on interests identified by participating institutions on both continents.
The strategy set out principles of ownership, partnership and solidarity. Its purpose was to strengthen political dialogue and connect that dialogue with cooperation at global, continental and cross-regional levels.
The original text is available as the Joint Africa–EU Strategy document. Because it is A recorded policy text, readers should interpret its commitments and terminology in the context of 2007.
What the framework was designed to do
The strategy provided an overarching framework rather than a single programme. Participating institutions used action plans and roadmaps to identify areas in which coordinated work could add value beyond local, national or regional arrangements.
Its broad ambition was to support closer cooperation on peace, accountable public institutions, sustainable development, trade, mobility, research and other cross-border questions. It also sought wider participation by civil society and economic actors.
Where the added value was expected
- Global coordination: developing shared approaches to cross-border matters such as climate, environmental protection, peace and security.
- A wider policy agenda: connecting established cooperation with governance, rights, regional integration, energy, mobility, employment, research, communications technology and earth observation.
- Public participation: creating more space for civil society and other non-governmental contributors while keeping public benefit in view.
Implementation over time
Implementation was organised through successive planning documents. The First Action Plan for 2008–2010 and Second Action Plan for 2011–2013 grouped work into eight areas, including peace and security, governance and rights, trade and infrastructure, development goals, climate, energy, mobility and research.
At the 2014 summit, participants adopted the 2014–2017 roadmap. This historical roadmap consolidated implementation into five priorities. Its dates matter: it should not be read as a current programme or timetable.
A 2014 brochure, Two Unions, One Vision, summarised activities reported at that point. As with other period material, its claims should be checked against later evidence before being used to describe present conditions.