The Practical Implementation of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy in Africa

Abstract

The European Union and the African Union are natural partners because of their geographical proximity. Several documents adopted by the EU start with this introduction for the African continent. This paper examines how this self-evident statement is reflected in the EU – Africa relations in terms of the main strategic frameworks in the security segment. Despite all its attempts, the EU, which has been actively seeking to renew its partnerships since the 2000s, has not succeeded in moving beyond one-sided strategies. In fact, the missions and operations launched under the aegis of the Common Security and Defence Policy have reinforced this image. However, recent events have also shown that the EU, although a natural partner for the African continent, does not dominate its external relations. The decreasing number of CSDP missions and operations is a warning sign that EU–Africa relations need a meaningful renewal.