This initiative continues the European Union's efforts towards strategic autonomy, emphasizing the creation of diversified international partnerships as a key to developing economic resilience through investments and trade. This is increasingly necessary following the protectionist shift in the United States and the tightening global geopolitical landscape.
In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa traveled to Cape Town for the EU-South Africa Summit, the first since 2018. This visit marks the beginning of a crucial year for Europe-Africa relations, given South Africa's current G20 presidency and the upcoming EU-African Union Summit in 2025.
Towards a New EU-South Africa Trade Agreement
During today's meeting in Cape Town, the European Union and South Africa agreed to initiate negotiations for a new trade and investment agreement, named the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership.
