During the plenary session (10-13 February 2020) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on a new comprehensive EU-Africa strategy. Statements by Tomas TOBÉ (EPP, SE), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Hildegard BENTELE (EPP, DE), Udo BULLMANN (S&D, DE) and Charles GOERENS (RE, LU).

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

EU - Africa (T)

BULLMANN, Udo (S&D, DE)

GOERENS, Charles (Renew, LU)

URPILAINEN, Jutta (FI, EC)

TOBÉ, Tomas (EPP, SE)

BENTELE, Hildegard (EPP, DE)

New comprehensive EU-Africa strategy: extracts from the debate

Title: New comprehensive EU-Africa strategy: extracts from the debate

SOUNDBITE (English), Tomas TOB&#201; (EPP, SE), A long term strategic and mutual interest of the EU and our African partners and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals for the EU Africa strategy to be successful. I believe that three things are necessary. Firstly, a clear vision of the end game and the complete and the concrete plan to use a comprehensive approach with all available tools. Secondly, and an awareness of what can be gained if we succeed to strengthen our partnership and what is at stake if we don't. Thirdly, defining how we can better use aid effectiveness tools at our disposal. And that meant that the commission take a lead in coordinating all EU institutions and member states.

SOUNDBITE (English), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, It is time for a new chapter that brings a step change in our relationship. For that to happen, we need a new comprehensive strategy. This strategy that supports Africa's potential political economic governance efforts and it moves to bolster peace and resilience strategy with Africa that ensures partners ownership and commitment. A strategy that positions better the EU in the new global context, reflecting the aims of this geopolitical commission and the ambitious of the European Green Deal, firstly, to focus on fair trade and to ensure that tax income is looked at fairly.

SOUNDBITE (German), Hildegard BENTELE (EPP, DE), Educational policy is democracy and the rule of law. Security measures focus on women's roles and there and how they can contribute. What we need to ensure is that every single African person has secure prospects in their own country in their own region.

SOUNDBITE (German), Udo BULLMANN (S&amp;D, DE), Yes. Let's get girls into school. At least up until the age of 10 so that they can help their country. Basic health provision for all. Good work, decent work, not just employability. In order to build these countries and promote sustainable development in Europe, as in Africa, that's our job. And that's something that we want to bring our heart to and fully support you in doing that.

SOUNDBITE (French), Charles GOERENS (RE, LU), So why not adopt as common security approach, which would allow the European or the African Union to have a seat on the Security Council of the U.N., why not agree on a common approach to climate change? Why not set up trade cooperation, which would create a free trade area between the European Union and the African Union?