Africa Day Statement by EU Commissioner Michel

Africa Day is a chance to reaffirm Europe's commitment to Africa. Together, as two continents, we can work to tackle the challenges of the twenty first century - such as globalisation, climate change, energy, peace and security.

Africa Day is an opportunity for all of us to recognise and support the huge potential of this continent. It is an opportunity for us to recognise that reliable partnerships are critical for long term progress. That is why I want to pay tribute today to Europe's partnership with the African Union and once again warmly welcome Mr. Jean Ping and his colleagues who recently took up their duties at the African Union Commission.

Europe's commitment to Africa is as strong as ever. Our relations are now framed by a joint strategy covering eight partnerships from governance to trade, migration and employment. This year is also the 50th anniversary of the European Development Fund reflecting the EU's solidarity with developing countries across the world. And Europe's commitment to development is as strong as ever. Working towards the achievement of the 8 Millennium Development Goals, Europe remains the largest donor of development aid. Moreover, Europe accounts for around 90% of worldwide commitments to scale up aid and around 90% of the increase in aid to Africa.

So on Africa Day, let us celebrate together Africa's spirit and achievements and let us renew our commitments to ensure its future potential is realised.

Background:

Africa Day on May 25 each year commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which became the present African Union
(http://www.africa-union.org).

Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid will fire the starting gun of the annual Brussels 20km marathon race, drawing attention to Africa Day 2008.
(http://www.20kmdebruxelles.be/20km/set_fr.htm)

| Top |

• EU Commission President Barroso addresses UN High Level Meeting on Africa's Development Needs, calls for early agreement on new 1 billion food facility (22/9/2008)
• Communiqué: 10th Africa-EU Ministerial Troika  (16/9/2008)
• "The EU and Africa: a Partnership based on Dialogue" - Speech by EU Commission President Barroso (10/9/2008)
• African Union Commission and European Commission launch ambitious Africa-EU Energy Partnership (8/9/2008)
• Horn of Africa: EU Commission allocates extra €21m for humanitarian aid (8/8/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on the Great Lakes Region (16/6/2008)
• EU Commission provides more humanitarian aid to fight acute malnutrition in the Sahel (3/6/2008)
• EU Council Conclusions on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) (27/5/2008)
• "Infrastructures for Africa" - Discours du Comissaire Michel (23/5/2008)
• Commissioner Michel congratulates Mr. Jean Ping as new African Union Commission head  (28/4/2008)
• EU Presidency Statement - United Nations Security Council: Debate on Peace and Security in Africa (16/4/2008)
• EU Commissioner Mandelson in Southern Africa to deepen trade and development ties (28/2/2008)
• EU pledges commitment to development for African Cotton producing countries (6/2/2008)