Time to Re-think the EU – Africa Strategy? Exploring the 'sustainable'​ trade dimensions of the European Parliament’s proposal for a ‘new’ partnership

In March 2020, the EU launched its Africa Strategy, identifying “boosting trade and sustainable investments in Africa” as one of its priority action areas. The Strategy also states the Union will provide “political, technical and financial support for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement” and reaffirms the shared interest in “a stable, rules-based multilateral trading system centred on the World Trade Organisation”. Green growth, green finance and sustainable agriculture also feature prominently.

One year later (in March 2021), the European Parliament proposed a new EU-Africa partnership. Building on an own initiative report, the Parliament calls for adjustments in the light of the impacts of the coronavirus.