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- European Commission > Commissioners > President Barroso > Priorities > Africa > News
Africa
Meeting with the prime minister of São Tomé
(19/10/2009)
President Barroso met Joaquim Rafael Branco, prime minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, in Brussels. The visit was an opportunity to exchange views on the country's perspectives and the bilateral cooperation between the European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe. President Barroso gave a positive assessment of recent developments. This was the first such formal meeting with prime minister Branco. Prime minister Branco assumed his post in June 2008 after a period of governmental instability.
Meeting with the President of Botswana
(02/06/2009)
"I am aware of the difficulties Botswana faces because of the financial and economic crisis […] in this sense, we will do our outmost to accelerate and even advance payments under the European Development Fund," stated president Barroso after his working meeting with the President of Botswana, Ian Khama. The situation in Africa, and especially in Zimbabwe, was another topic of conversation: "We share concerns about the fragility of the democratic process and also the serious humanitarian situation," said president Barroso. He also insisted on the fact that the Economic Partnership Agreements can be a part of the solution to the economic downturn which is currently affecting African countries.
Message to the new President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma
(09/05/2009)
"On behalf of the EC,” said President Barroso, “I would like to congratulate you and extend my sincere wishes for the success of the mandate that has been entrusted to you. I look forward to our forthcoming summit meeting in South Africa in September as the first opportunity to start our common work and identify concrete steps we can jointly take under your presidency to further deepen the strategic partnership between South Africa and the EU. Building on shared values and working constructively together, South Africa and the EU can play a key role in advancing peace and prosperity on the African continent, and promoting a more equitable world order. Please accept, Dear Mr President, the assurance of my highest consideration."
"We will not end piracy on the high seas of Somalia unless we bring development to the towns and villages"
(23/04/2009)
President Barroso gave the opening speech at a conference on Somalia hosted by the Commission in Brussels. The first objective of the conference was the funding of Somalia’s security sector for the next 12 months. He condemned unreservedly the recent acts of piracy but warned of the danger of limiting the response simply to the piracy itself. "We must remember that it is the symptom, not the cause, of a much deeper problem in Somalia (…), so today's conference must lay the foundations for a brighter future for the people of Somalia. A Somalia where universal human rights are respected in law, and applied throughout the land. A land where sailors profit from fishing and legal trade, not from piracy. A land where both the highways and the high seas are safe.”
Africa and climate change at centre of meeting with Ban Ki-moon
(23/04/2009)
President Barroso had a very useful exchange with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon just before they opened a conference on Somalia in Brussels. He reiterated the Commission approach: security challenges have their root causes in development problems and weaknesses in governance. He also presented Europe's strategy for developing countries: the need to help them cope with the impacts of the current financial crisis, to help them meet the Millennium development goals and also to help them in the fight against climate change. Ban Ki-moon thanked him for the EU’s continuing leadership in pushing the climate change agenda forward and informed him that the UN has launched a ‘Seal the Deal’ campaign in the run up to the climate change meeting in Copenhagen in December.
- Read the transcript of the press conference
[ 23 kb] - Extracts from the press briefing
[03'41"] - More information on the International Donor Conference on Somalia
- European Commission Assistance to Somalia: facts and figures
The recession must not be used as an excuse for going back on our aid promises
(26/03/2009)
President Barroso has responded to a call from the CEOs of more than 100 of the largest European Development NGOs – members of CONCORD (the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development) - to put pressure on EU Member States to make sure that the upcoming G20 Summit will deliver meaningful results for developing countries hard hit by the financial and environmental crises. He replied: “There can be no economic recovery without the developing countries. Our growth and stability is inextricably linked to theirs and vice versa. We have a strong history of solidarity with the developing world. Our promise - to help developing countries integrate into the world economy and to share the fruits of globalisation - is a founding stone of the Commission's external policy stretching back many years. And this promise means more now than ever.”
- Read the speech
- Extracts from the speech
[04'42"]
Meeting with Bob Geldof
(17/03/2009)
President Barroso met with Bob Geldof, Irish singer and member of the Africa Progress Panel and advocacy organisation ONE. They discussed how to keep pressure on the international community to respect aid commitments. President Barroso underlined the importance of the outcome of the G20 being a success for the whole world, and not only for the most developed countries and emerging economies. Keeping open economies that can generate prosperity is of key importance. After talks, Mr Geldof invited president Barroso for a pint for St Patrick's Day in an Irish pub across the road from European Commission headquarters in Brussels.
UN conference on financing for development
(29/11/2008)
Speaking in Doha at the ‘UN Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus’, President Barroso underlined the leading role played by the European Union in assisting developing countries through both trade policies and development assistance. President Barroso said that the recent adoption of a one billion euro Food Facility showed how the EU was ready to enhance its contribution to helping developing countries. And he reiterated the Commission's commitment to a successful conclusion of the Doha round of WTO negotiations.
Adoption of €1 billion Food Facility for world's poorest farmers
(21/11/2008)
President Barroso warmly welcomed the decision taken by the budgetary authority (EU Council and Parliament) to adopt the €1 billion Food Facility for developing countries, as the Commission proposed last July to respond to the impact of the food crisis in poor countries. "I’m delighted by this positive decision, which shows that the EU is really committed to action in support of its development ideals. As we tackle the financial and economic crisis, we cannot forget the poorest people in the planet."
Appeal to the G20 in favour of Development
(14/11/2008)
On the eve of the G20 summit, the European Commission launched an appeal through the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, for development to be given a place in the new international financial architecture and to help lift millions of people out of poverty. At the same time as the G20 summit taking place in Washington this weekend, the European Development Days (EDD) are being held in Strasbourg. This is a high-level international event which also aims to increase public awareness on the issues of development cooperation.
Vanishing forests
(17/10/2008)
Until now the EU has promoted voluntary action to curb illegal logging. But under a new legislative proposal, importers would have to take certain steps to verify the wood is legal. The regulation would also apply to timber producers in the EU, where illegal logging has been reported in some countries.
Strengthen EU-Africa co-operation
(01/10/2008)
Almost one year after the Lisbon Summit that launched a new strategic partnership between the EU and Africa, the fourth meeting between the European Commission and African Union Commission - this time in Brussels – has highlighted how partnership between the two has become closer."Africa is on the move, with fewer conflicts and better governance across the continent. But progress towards the Millennium Development Goals is essential and still not yet satisfactory. In these times of uncertainty, amid talks about financial rescue, I call on our Member States not to forget human rescue."
UN High level event on Millennium Development Goals
(25/09/2008)
In an address at the opening session of a conference on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), President Barroso called the high-level event "the most important MDG event since the adoption of the Millennium Declaration". In particular, he spoke of the EU's commitments, saying that by doubling development assistance the EU can increase its support for education by € 4 billion, and for health by €8 billion.
Africa's development needs: progress on implementation of various commitments and the way forward
(22/09/2008)
In a keynote opening address at the High Level Meeting on Africa's Development Needs held in New York, President Barroso said that Africa and the EU are taking steps to tackle a new global agenda: the great challenges of today, such as food prices, climate change and energy security.
A historic day for European-South African relations
(25/07/2008)
Speaking in Bordeaux at the first EU-South Africa Summit, the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, said, ‘This is a historic day for EU-Africa relations, and in particular, for our relationship with South Africa.
One billion euro facility to support agriculture in developing countries
(07/07/2008)
"We in the G8, and particularly the EU members, are determined to keep the Millennium Development Goals fully in the public gaze," said President Barroso at the G8 outreach session with leaders from Africa. In this context, the EC's idea is to use unspent Community funds in a creative and positive way. "Our intention is to establish a 1 billion euro facility to support agriculture in developing countries. This will aim to generate a strong and rapid agricultural supply response. For example, it will promote agricultural production by improving poor farmers' access to inputs such as better fertilisers and seeds.”
Help for the poorest - we can do more
(10/04/2008)
Commission calls on EU members to act on promises to increase development aid.
EU food aid to feed millions
(04/03/2008)
Some 18.7 million of the world's most vulnerable people are expected to benefit from EU's latest food aid decision.
President Barroso welcomes Davos statement on Millennium Development Goals
(25/01/2008)
Noting that the EU has provided global leadership by substantially strengthening its development effort, Mr Barroso said the international community must use 2008 to review the progress achieved and to decide where it needs to apply pressure for results to keep on track. He also called for a more active involvement of the business community and private funding for development which would go hand in hand with official development assistance.
A European consensus on humanitarian aid: working together to help people in need
(18/12/2007)
The presidents of the European commission, European parliament and council of the European Union today signed a 'European consensus on humanitarian aid' on behalf of the 27 EU member states. "The EU is the world's biggest aid donor but we can do it better by working increasingly closer together. Common objectives, shared principles and better coordination can strengthen our capacity to help people in need" said president Barroso.
- More information
- Watch the video [1'43"]
EU-Africa - towards a partnership of equals
(10/12/2007)
Summit heralds new era for EU-Africa relations as leaders seek to break with traditional donor-recipient stereotypes.
New commitment takes immediate effect
(09/12/2007)
President Barroso welcomed the signing of an ambitious partnership with a budget of €8bn between the European commission and 31 Sub-Saharan African states under the 10th European development fund. "These cooperation programmes are the best illustration of our willingness to move from a policy for Africa to a policy with Africa." The documents drafted together with the 31 African partner countries define a supporting strategy and priority actions to be undertaken in the 2008-2013 period.
- Read the full speech
- Read the full press release
- More information
- Watch the video [5'24"]
Second EU-Africa summit: beyond donor-receiver cooperation
(08/12/2007)
Ahead of his trip to Lisbon at a gathering of representatives from several European newspapers, Mr Barroso underlined his reliance on the emergence of governance in Africa. "Of course crises exist but it is also true - and we don't mention it enough - that Africa is on the move." The president mentioned that this meeting in Lisbon also has a tremendous humanitarian dimension. "It is the fundamental element of solidarity that Europeans must use to define their international cooperation".
- Read the full article
[16 kb]
Charity is fine, cooperation and political dialogue are better
(06/12/2007)
Before leaving for Lisbon for the EU-Africa summit, president Barroso commented on the summit as a new phase in relations between the two continents. "Africa must be a priority in our external relations. I hope that we all, political leaders, civil society, the media -from the two continents- will be ready and open enough to break stereotypes and acknowledge the importance of this shift in our relations."
- Read the speaking points [21 kb]
- Extracts from the press conference [4'06"]
Helping African countries cope with climate change
(07/11/2007)
Commission president José Manuel Barroso attended the annual European Development Days in Lisbon with Louis Michel, European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid. This year the event focused on the impact climate change has on developing countries and how best to tackle this challenge. "Climate change means recognising a duty of solidarity towards developing countries, which are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change" said Mr Barroso.
Meeting PM of Cape Verde
(25/10/2007)
President Barroso hosted prime minister of Cape Verde, José Maria Neves, in the European commission's headquarters in Brussels. The discussions was very positive and focused particularly on developing closer relations between the EU and Cape Verde.
- Read the speaking points
[11 kb] - Extracts from the press conference [4'24"]
Developing relations with Africa
(03/07/2007)
At the invitation of his Excellency John Kufuor, President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairman of the African Union, President Barroso addressed African heads of state and government during the closing session of the 9th African Union Summit in Accra, Ghana.
G8 agree €44bn for Africa and dramatic CO2 cuts
(08/06/2007)
Intense negotiations at the G8 summit at Heiligendamm, Germany, have resulted in €44bn to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa and an agreement to set, via the United Nations, a global goal for reducing CO2 emissions. The G8 agreed that dramatic cuts in the levels of CO2 emissions are needed. In setting a global goal, they agreed to "consider seriously the decisions made by the European Union, Canada and Japan which include at least a halving of global emissions by 2050."
President Barroso meets beneficiaries of EU Development aid
(24/05/2007)
In the run-up to next month's G8 Summit in Germany, President Barroso met President of Ghana and head of African Union John Kufuor, in Brussels today. He also welcomed representatives from several developing countries who had personal experience of EU-financed projects. The projects have played a decisive role in the lives of millions of people in the developing world.
President Barroso meets Bono to discuss development aid
(15/05/2007)
In the run-up to June's G8 Summit in the German town of Heiligendamm, Commission President Barroso met U2 lead singer Bono to urge both EU member countries and G8 participants to meet the targets they have made for global development aid. President Barroso explained that the EU has met the promises it made in 2002, and can and must respect the promises of 2005. In 2006 aid from Europe reached 0.42% of gross national income, exceeding the target of 0.39% set for the year. This amounted to some €48bn, nearly €100 per citizen per year, compared with €53 and €69 from the United States and Japan respectively. "Europe must continue to show inspiration and leadership in the fight to end poverty; that is the message I will take to the G8" said President Barroso.
- Visit
of Bono, lead singer of U2 & representative of the "Make
Poverty History" campaign [4'36"]
- Statements
and Q&A [18'04"]
Commission calls for more predictable and more effective development aid
(04/04/2007)
Three communications adopted by the European Commission demonstrate that on the whole the EU is on the right track regarding compliance with its commitments to greater public development aid, aid for trade, and aid effectiveness. But further efforts will be needed if the objectives of giving more predictable and sustained aid and of improving coordination and aid effectiveness are to be brought within reach. "The EU has pledged to double development assistance by 2010. That is a remarkable pledge, of which the EU and its member states should be proud. Now we have to deliver," President Barroso said.
Commission proposes a European strategy to promote gender equality in development cooperation
(08/03/2007)
Equal opportunities and equal access to resources for both men and women is key to sustainable development. With the European Strategy to promote gender equality in development cooperation adopted today, the Commission translates into practice the EU commitment to put gender equality at the heart of its development policy. The strategy suggests concrete actions in five key areas for the promotion of gender equality: governance, employment, education, health and domestic violence. It provides guidelines on how to improve gender mainstreaming in development policy and shows the potential of budget support for the promotion of gender equality.
Commission proposes a Code of Conduct for an improved division of labour between EU Donors
(28/02/2007)
Cutting red tape, putting the money where it is needed most, pooling aid, dividing the job in order to deliver more aid, better and faster. These are the objectives of a new and voluntary Code of Conduct for the division of labour in EU Development Policy proposed by the Commission. The Code of Conduct will contain ten principles for a better division of labour among EU donors in developing countries. The Commission proposes, for example, that EU donors limit their involvement in a partner country to the two sectors in which they have the best comparative advantage. This principle can make one Member State delegate responsibility for carrying out its aid programme in a particular area to another Member State who is better placed to do so.
EC and Aga Khan Development Network release joint declaration
(23/01/2007)
On behalf of the EC, José Manuel Barroso and His Highness the Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, signed a joint declaration which formalises a long and successful partnership. The Aga Khan Development Network is a group of private, international, non-denominational agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world.
- Read the full speech [14 Kb]
- The Aga Khan, 49th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, visits the President [1'22"]
EU promotes decent work at home and abroad
(01/12/2006)
The EU Council today endorsed European Commission proposals to strengthen EU policies, actions and programmes so as to promote decent work both within the Union and worldwide. Decent work – which covers more and better jobs with welfare protection, equal opportunities and social dialogue – can help developing countries fight poverty. Improving working and living conditions can also help EU Member States better confront the challenges of globalisation, technological progress and demographic change. The first EU-level conference on effectively implementing decent work through EU internal and external policies, including employment and social affairs, development and trade, will take place in Brussels on 4-5 December.
Public conference on the strategy for Africa
(28/11/2006)
In his speech in Berlin on 28 November, Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel urged the German EU Presidency to use its double presidency of the EU and the G8 in 2007 to place Africa at the heart of the international agenda – out of solidarity, responsibility and a common geostrategic and economic interest.
Read the full speech
The EU meets the entire African continent in Tripoli to launch a partnership on migration and development
(20/11/2006)
The first Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development between the EU and the entire African continent will take place on 22 and 23 November in Tripoli. On this occasion, the EU and Africa will agree to work together in a spirit of mutual partnership and shared responsibility to manage migration more effectively for the benefit of the two continents. The Conference should be seen in the context of the comprehensive approach to migration that the European Union is developing. It aims to make migration meet the interests and priorities of countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as migrants themselves, by fostering partnerships with third countries and international organisations and bringing together the various policy areas that are relevant to migration, such as good governance, human rights and development policies. Vice-President Frattini, responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security and Commissioner Louis Michel, responsible for Development Policy and Humanitarian will participate.
EU Development Days
(13/11/06)
“Europe's relationship with Africa remains special, and in many ways unique. […] Our two continents have a deep, sometimes difficult past. More recently it has been characterised too often in a context of donors and recipients. But, today, we are starting to work with each other as partners and as neighbours. That is where our shared future lies: in a new strategic alliance between the EU and Africa,” said José Manuel Barroso during his speech at the EU Development Days on 15 November 2006 in Brussels.
First edition of the European Development Days: Focus on “Africa on the move”
(13/11/2006)
Between 13 and 17 November, Africa will be in the spotlight for the first ever edition of the European Development Days (EDD). Politics, economics, art, cinema, fashion... Europe celebrates "Africa on the move" and discusses the main challenges for Africans and Europeans, through a series of events organised by the Directorate General for Development of the European Commission, under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel.
European Commission and African Union hold joint meeting in Addis Ababa
(02/10/2006)
The European Commission met with the Commission of the African Union (AU) for a joint working session last 2 October in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was their third meeting together in the last three years, but the first outside the European continent. The growing institutional, financial and political partnership saw several commissioners travel to Ethiopia, including President José Manuel Barroso and the three vice-Presidents Margot Wallström (Communication), Franco Frattini (Justice, freedom and security) and Siim Kallas (Administration).
European Commission launches an EU-Africa partnership to develop trans-African connections
(13/07/2006)
The European Commission has today approved a proposal for a partnership on infrastructure between the European Union and Africa. The Partnership aims to respond to the objectives set out by the African Union and NEPAD. A total of €5.6 billion from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF, 2008-2013) will support regional development in four priority areas: transport, energy, water, and information technology and telecommunication networks.
Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS Award Ceremony, London
(22/05/2006)
"The EU's delivery on its commitments to the Global Fund, fits into the wider European commitment to the developing world – in particular Africa. That commitment is essential to the identity of a new generation of Europeans, just as co-operation rather than conflict in Europe was to a previous generation. The [Global] Fund's success means its financial needs are increasing. But public donors cannot meet these needs alone. Additional financing will have to come mainly from new sources, including private donations. That's why increased support from you, the private sector, is essential.
As for Europe's pharmaceutical industry, it has devoted vast resources to providing more and better drugs for treatment. But new efforts should also be directed towards research on preventive technologies. The Commission is ready to support industry-led research on AIDS vaccines and microbicides. Strong guidance from pharmaceutical companies is vital if this is to bear fruit, and the Commission has already established partnerships with the Alliance for Microbicide Development, the Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise and, indeed, the Global Business Coalition itself."
European Commission adopts "European Union Strategy for Africa"
(12/10/2005)
The European Commission has adopted today a proposal for a new EU Strategy for Africa. The Strategy suggests a framework for action for all EU Member States and the European Commission to support Africa's efforts to attain the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The adoption was followed by an extraordinary joint meeting between the European Commission and the Commission of the African Union (AU).
To Lisbon and beyond: Market access and external aspects of competitiveness
Opening address, Market Access Symposium
(19/09/2005)
"And as well as helping ourselves, by increasing trading opportunities with poorer countries we are offering them a powerful instrument for their own development as well. For example, it is estimated that a one percentage point increase in Africa's share of global trade would deliver four or five times more income every year than the continent currently receives in aid. And opening up markets for developing countries is in our own best interest. It gives consumers access to cheaper goods from abroad and - as we currently see in Asia - it creates new export opportunities as developing countries gain in purchasing power. It's a classic win-win situation, which is why, at the G8 Summit this summer, I pledged €1 billion a year to support the trading capacity of developing countries."
- Read the full speech
Financing for development: Facing up to the challenge of our generation
UN Summit Special Plenary on Financing for Development, New York
(14/09/2005)
"However, no developing country ever became a developed country on aid alone. International trade is an incredibly powerful engine for sustainable development. A one percentage point increase in Africa's share of global trade would deliver four or five times more income every year than the continent currently receives in aid. That's why the European Union is the world's biggest provider of trade-related assistance, to help developing countries to fully exploit market access opportunities, and develop their trading capacity. At the G8 Summit this summer I pledged to increase this trade assistance still further, to EUR1 billion a year […] Aid and trade will help those countries whose governments assume responsibility for their own development. EU aid supports governments in their efforts to mobilise domestic resources, implement effective national development policies, put in place accountable governance structures, and uphold human rights and the rule of law. That is essential. Development is about human beings, not just economic theory. And the universal promotion and protection of their rights is an essential, global value."
G8 Summit: President Barroso launches €1 billion aid for trade pledge, Gleneagles/Brussels
(06/07/2005)
Speaking today at a press conference in Gleneagles in Scotland before the opening of the G8 Summit, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, pledged 1 billion Euro per year to support the trading capacity of developing countries. EU aid for trade helps poor countries make use of the export opportunities provided by market opening. President Barroso is representing the EU at the G8 summit along with the UK presidency. Multilateral trade liberalization has the potential to generate significant economic opportunities that could lift many people out of poverty. But many developing countries are ill-equipped to take advantage of new export opportunities. President Barroso, who attends the G8 summit as the "9th man at the G8 table", announced details of the aid for trade deal and set out his key demands for the G8 summit. He has just returned from visiting South Africa, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Libya where he and Kofi Annan addressed the African Union Summit.
Outcome of the G8 Summit in Gleneagles
(08/07/2005)
"The EU will contribute 80% of the 25 billion per year extra for Africa. Aid for trade is at the forefront of our action, as well as support for peace keeping, good governance and democracy. This, together with Africa's new path towards political and economic integration, commitment to democracy creates a renewed opportunity for Africa. There is renewed hope for Africa."
- Read
the full speech [61kb]
Africa: Response and responsibility
(05/07/2005)
"I go to this week's G8 Summit in Gleneagles with some African soil in my shoes. Last week I visited three very different African countries; South Africa, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each has their own story. But the conclusion I reached from visiting all three was clear; the transformation of Africa is a vital issue for my generation, whether in Europe or Africa."
"I am delighted that European leaders […] committed themselves to increasing development aid by € 20 billion per year by 2010. Why should Europe do this? Africa is our neighbour, only a few miles across the Mediterranean. It has vast, untapped, human and economic potential. It is part of Europe´s past and present. It must be part of European values that that we do not accept as a "fact of life", to use a horribly inappropriate phrase, that 25,000 people die every day from hunger."
"But Europeans should not act on Africa just to feel better about ourselves; we should act to support Africans. And we should do so in the spirit of partnership, and sensitivity. There are many Africas, as I saw in my travels. One size does not fit all. There is the Africa of determination and opportunity, of the success stories I saw in South Africa and Mozambique. This is dynamic change, driven from within. But there are the bad news stories we hear about more often, of war, famine and disease, of abuses of human rights which no-one, whether African, Asian or European, should accept."
President Barroso proposes new Euro-Africa Pact at the African Union Summit, Brussels
(04/07/2005)
The President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, and the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, attended today the Summit of the African Union taking place in Sirte, Lybia. The Commission delivered a strong message of support to the African integration process and to the impressive changes that the continent is undergoing in recent years.
- Read the full text [97kb]
From Schuman to Sirte: a tale of two unions, opening session of the African Union Assembly
"Today Africa looks into the future with more confidence and optimism than ever before. Because it has endowed itself with a mission and a vision that will guide it into a more peaceful, safe, and prosperous 21st century. Because there is a new leadership, committed to integration, democracy and development. Because united, Africa stands stronger."
Barroso's official trip to Africa
(24-27/06/2005)
On Friday 24 June the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, will fly out for a four-day trip to Africa, where he will visit South Africa, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With an eye to the forthcoming G8 Summit at Gleneagles at the beginning of July, Mr Barroso aims to gather sufficient information to persuade the world's aid donors of the need to invest much more in the African continent in order to bring about an improvement in trade, security, education and the cultural sector.
Response to UK Presidency Programme, European Parliament, Plenary Session, Brussels
(23/06/2005)
"In order to give a decisive incentive for the reform of Africa's governance, the Commission proposes to support the implementation of reforms triggered by the Africa Peer Review Mechanism. The Commission also proposes a replenishment of the Peace Facility so as to provide the African Union with the necessary financial muscle to cope with Africa's conflicts. We are already supporting the AU mission in Darfur, for example."
European Commission Headquarters "wrapped" in White Band for Africa
"Europe must lead the way in the fight against poverty"
(16/06/2005)
On Thursday this week the European Commission's Headquarters in Brussels - the Berlaymont Building - will be "wrapped" in a white band in support of the campaign for the "Global Call to Action against Poverty." It is the first of a number of well known buildings across Europe to be "wrapped" with a white band in the coming months - the Coliseum in Italy, the Brandenburger Tor in Germany and, in France, the Trocadero's buildings which sit either side of the Eiffel Tower will be wrapped with two white bands. The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso will launch the white band with Development Commissioner Louis Michel, Rene Grotenhuis GCAP Spokesperson and Axelle Red, the well know Belgian singer, long time campaigner on poverty issues, and one of the headline acts for the Live 8 concert in Paris. The launch will take place at 11.15 on Thursday at the VIP corner inside the main entrance of the Berlaymont building. The aim is to send a clear message to EU leaders at the Summit to give their full backing to ambitious development aid targets on the Summit agenda. The GCAP campaign will present President Barroso with a 3 metre white band with the message "Aid, Trade and Debt". A huge campaign banner has been mounted on the side of the Berlaymont Building overlooking the Council's Justus Lipsius building.
Press Conference with President Barroso and Bono
"Europe must not forget Africa"
(09/06/2005)
At a time when the EU is focusing on its budget and its Constitution, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Bono, U2's lead singer, met in Brussels on 9 June to send a strong message to EU leaders: Let's gather forces to make poverty history. "Don't blow it," urged Bono addressing EU leaders who should decide whether or not to double the EU's development aid at the next European Council. "Look away from your national flags, from your numbers and look up to the future." 25 000 people die of hunger in the world every day. Africa is the most affected continent with 198 million suffering from hunger; more than the population of Germany, France and the United Kingdom united. "Europe must not forget Africa. And Europe is not forgetting Africa," said Barroso.
Response and responsibility: the European partnership for aid and development, London
(20/05/2005)
"I am a European who wants to focus on Africa. My message to you is that Europeans must focus on, and act in, the wider world. That is the kind of Europe which I, as the President of the Commission, want. The depressing facts are well documented. 25,000 people die of hunger in the world every day. In sub Saharan Africa, nurses and teachers are dying from AIDS faster than they can be trained. 25 million people have died there so far of AIDS, and another 25 million are HIV positive. Life expectancy has collapsed to near-Mediaeval levels.
We must fight this; and I mean "we"; all of us in Africa, in Europe and elsewhere. The fight against poverty, hunger and disease is perhaps the issue for my generation. We must follow the energy and dynamism of the younger generation, who are leading on this issue, ahead of governments and large organisations. We have the resources. We have the strength of popular feeling, as the huge response to the Tsunami showed. What we need now is political will and organisation to turn this into action.
Many leaders of 200 years ago thought that slavery was an inevitable, if uncomfortable, necessity; a natural part of the order of things. They were wrong. So are those today who take for granted poverty, hunger and disease. The challenge for my generation is to take up that fight, and win it. So that the next generations read about these things in the history books; just as we do about slavery."
President Barroso meets with leading campaigners from Make Poverty History, Brussels
(04/05/2005)
Today in Brussels, the President of the European Commission met with Richard Curtis and Emma Freud leading campaigners for "Make Poverty History" - a unique alliance of over 400 aid agencies calling for urgent policy change on three critical areas: trade, debt and aid to drive forward the fight against poverty and injustice. Speaking after the meeting in which they discussed progress in the campaign and the role the European Commission's policies on trade and development can play in the fight against global poverty, President Barroso said, "2005 is a critical year for development with an exceptional set of opportunities to make progress at EU, G8 and UN level. We must seize this opportunity with both hands. We cannot accept the sluggish rate of progress towards meeting internationally agreed targets to halve global poverty by 2015.
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