The seventh European Union–African Union Summit opened today in Angola under blue skies and big symbolism: exactly 25 years after the two blocs joined forces, and 50 years since Angola and several other African nations broke free from colonial rule.
Who’s in the Room
Angolan President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa are co-chairing the two-day talks. Joining them at the head table: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The Core Message
Von der Leyen didn’t mince words in her opening speech: “In a world that’s turning more hostile and fragmented, Europe and Africa need each other like never before.”
She reminded delegates that the EU is still Africa’s largest trading partner but warned that Russia, China, and the United States are circling faster than ever.
Three Big Goals for the Next 48 Hours
- Supercharge trade and investment (beyond raw materials)
- Tackle rising insecurity together — from Sahel jihadists to Red Sea piracy
- Deliver real green growth and jobs for the world’s youngest continent
Why Angola Matters
Hosting the summit is personal for this oil-rich nation. Fifty years after independence, Angola is stepping up as a diplomatic heavyweight and showing the world it’s ready for a bigger seat at the global table.
As leaders pose for the family photo against Luanda’s Atlantic backdrop, one thing is clear: This isn’t just another summit. It’s two continents deciding whether to deepen an old friendship or let new rivals write the next chapter.
Talks continue tomorrow. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
ALSO READ: Larry Summers Resigns from OpenAI and Harvard Over Epstein Emails
