Bi-regional Cooperation between the African Union and the European Union: Legal-Institutional Settings, Challenges and Way Ahead
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
article
Start Page
1220
End Page
1241
Abstract
The recent, critical developments occurred after the Russian invasion of Ukraine have triggered serious repercussions on the whole international, economic and geo-political order. The effects seem especially impactful for the European and African regions, with a number of potential, major consequences in humanitarian-migratory terms, as well as in crucial sectors such as energy, trade, food and agriculture. In this scenario, the Euro-African cooperation plays a pivotal role. This contribution intends to focus on whether and to what extent the cooperation between the European and the African Unions may lead to a common, timely and effective response to current challenges such as agri-food security, climate change and migration. It is divided into three main parts: the first is devoted to a general overview of the Africa-EU relations, and their different shapes and methodologies; the second focuses specifically on the bi-regional cooperation between the African Union and the European Union, exploring its origin, subsequent evolution, as well as its legal- institutional settings; finally, the third part addresses the most recent initiatives put in place by the two international organizations with regard to issues such as food security, agriculture, climate change and environment.