European-African Progressive Network

The Inclusive Society Institute was invited to attend the Third Session of the European-African Progressive Network on 8 July 2025. The session took place under the theme: “Navigating peace, human rights and democratic concerns in the EU-Africa partnership”. This initiative of progressive European organisations sought to gain perspective from various African partners, including think tanks, on their views as pertaining Europe’s engagements with the continent. The Institute, represented by Dr Klaus Kotzé, impressed upon the forum that their consideration of the views of the various continental stakeholders is laudable. When asked about how best Europe can engage with the continent, Kotzé made two suggestions.

First, for Europe to engage constructively, it must distinguish between its values and interests. There can be no constructive engagement when Europe behaves as both a player and a referee in international relations. Furthermore, it is imperative that African states, and the African Union as a whole, are not made to choose between global forces. Instead, African players, as should be the case for all states, should be respected for the pursuit of their own interests. A fruitful partnership will flow out of respect and support for reciprocal interests.