Summary: May 25, 2004: Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of the launching of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Addis Ababa, 25 May 2004 (Brussels)
The European Union salutes the African Union on the historic occasion of the solemn launching of the Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa on this Africa Day, 25 May 2004. The European Union warmly welcomes the establishment of this new institution, which has been conceived with a view to equipping the African Union with a more robust and proactive mechanism to deal with peace and security issues in Africa. The EU also congratulates the Federal Republic of Nigeria on its assumption of
the Chairmanship of the Peace and Security Council.
The major progress which Africa has made in addressing conflicts on the continent and developing an institutional capacity to deal with conflict prevention and resolution has been impressive. The establishment of the Peace and Security Council is central to this response and demonstrates Africa's determination to take the lead in strengthening its own conflict prevention and management efforts. The European Union is equally determined to work with Africa in supporting this important
institutional development and helping to build up African capabilities for addressing and resolving conflicts, including through deployment of African peacekeeping missions.
The EU African Peace Facility, which becomes operational today, will provide the context for developing and strengthening the already strong practical co-operation between the European Union and Africa in the crucial task of preventing and responding to conflict on the continent.
The Peace and Security Council is faced with major responsibilities as it begins its work. The European Union is confident that it can respond effectively to these challenges. The Peace and Security Council and its members will carry with them the good wishes of all concerned for the future of Africa as they formally assume their responsibilities.
The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.
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