Ahead of the upcoming European elections and amidst a litany of geopolitical shifts, the European Union must pay due diligence to its partnerships – particularly in undervalued sectors of cooperation such as the blue economy. Fostering partnerships, such as a strengthened Africa-Europe Ocean Partnership, presents significant opportunities both for Europe and Africa to reach climate neutrality and sustainable development goals, with benefits extending far beyond the Mediterranean Sea.
The link between geopolitics and the low-carbon transition will be crucial in the upcoming EU mandate. Investing in strategic partnerships, including with Africa, is vital to secure critical raw materials and green energy to achieve the EU’s climate neutrality objectives, while supporting Africa’s socio-economic transformation and industrialisation.
Both continents should invest more in the blue economy, particularly in the Mediterranean given Africa and Europe’s historical and environmental ties to the region. The economy and environment of the Mediterranean region would benefit from the development of fisheries compliance and monitoring systems, investments in renewable marine energy, plastic de-pollution, and the creation of cooperation networks, inspired by the successful networks of Mediterranean coastal cities.