At the first summit of the EU and the African Union in almost five years, politicians are optimistic. But it is clear from the start that corona vaccines could be a point of contention.
Despite open points of contention, the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) demonstrated unity at the start of a two-day summit meeting.
“The African continent needs our support for its own economic development and to ensure that there are good prospects for men, women and children, for all those who live there,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Brussels on Thursday. “We are Africa’s best friends,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell. Senegal’s President Macky Sall, who holds the AU presidency, said he was hoping for a “fresh start”. Mokgweetsi Masisi, Botswana’s president, said he expected “a lot”.
However, it became clear right from the start that the African side would not ignore the sensitive issue of patent approval for corona vaccines. “We will not give in,” said Masisi. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa was even clearer. Ramaphosa said it was time the former colonial powers gave something back to the continent, for example by investing in infrastructure. A new partnership of equals between the EU and Africa means not only donating vaccines, but also enabling Africa to produce vaccines itself. Of central importance here is the patent release, which South Africa has been trying to achieve for months.
dispute over access
The question of access to corona vaccines has caused a dispute between the EU and Africa in recent months. For one thing, Africa got the impression that Europe was hoarding vaccines. In Africa only around 12 percent of the population is vaccinated, while in the EU it is more than 70 percent. African countries are also demanding a temporary release of vaccine patents – which Europe is refusing. According to experts, this could boost vaccine production in African countries.
The EU, on the other hand, repeatedly emphasizes how generous it is: So far, 148 million doses of vaccine have been donated to Africa, it is said – by summer 2022 the number should rise to 450 million. At the summit, a concrete commitment could now be made for a further 29 million cans, of which 21 million could come from Germany alone, according to government circles.
Investments in focus
The meeting will also focus on extensive EU investments in African countries. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced last week that the EU would mobilize more than 150 billion euros. The focus should be on investments in infrastructure, education and health. According to the Commission, part of the money will come from the EU budget, from the member states and from the private sector.
The neighboring continent of Africa, with its 55 countries and around 1.3 billion inhabitants, is of great strategic importance for the EU. Large parts of the continent were brutally colonized by some EU countries well into the 20th century. Many African countries today are marked by political instability, terrorism and economic difficulties. A number of EU initiatives are dealing with Africa – also to counteract the growing influence of China and Russia on the continent.
The Africa summit had been postponed by more than a year because of the pandemic. The EU and AU last met for a summit in 2017.
Source: Stern
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
