On the sidelines of the 6th European Union-African Union Summit on 17-18 February, the first Africa-Europe Week was inaugurated on 14 February at the same time as the 7th EU-Africa Business Forum (EABF). Taking place from 14-18 February , this new forum aims to strengthen people-to-people relationships between continents. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will speak at the opening ceremony of the EABF on 16 February. Throughout the week, many commissioners will participate in various sessions.
Executive Vice President Timmermans will participate in two online events, firston “Opportunities for transition to green energy for African and European partners” as part of the forum, and a Europe Foundation event on the climate with African youth today (15 February). He will also meet COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry today.
Vice President Šuica will deliver a keynote speech at the Africa-Europe Week Youth Day, which will be opened by Commissioner Urpilainen. Commissioner Urpilainen will also participate in sessions on infrastructure, youth and pan-African topics, and will close the week on 17 February. Today, Vice President Šuica will participate in the session entitled “Building a partnership for every child – taking into account children’s needs in the EU-AU partnership”, while Commissioner Gentiloni recorded a video message for the session on business and taxation. On Wednesday, Executive Vice President Vestager will speak at a session on digital. Executive Vice President Dombrovskis will participate in a session on the African Continental Free Trade Area and Commissioner Simson will deliver a speech on Energy for Industries and Business during the Energy Session on Wednesday. Commissioner Kyriakides will speak in a session on healthcare and pharmaceuticals, also on 16 February.
On the same day, Commissioner Sinkevičius will participate in three sessions dedicated to circularity, textiles and the oceans; Commissioner Wojciechowski will be at a session on agri-food; and Commissioner Vălean will contribute to a session on the automobile. Commissioner Breton will intervene during a session on raw materials on 16 February and on value chains on 17 February.
On Thursday (17 February), Commissioner Dalli will address the Women’s Economic Empowerment session by videoconference, and Commissioner Lenarčič will participate in the summit side event entitled “Working together to improve respect for international humanitarian law”, jointly organized by the European Commission and the ICRC. Africa-Europe Week is a unique moment with dedicated tracks for youth, culture, civil society, local authorities and businesses, to discuss various aspects of the Africa-Europe political partnership and strengthen the ties that bind people from both continents, thus feeding into the political discussions of the summit.
The 2022 EU-Africa Business Forum brings together business and political leaders to strengthen EU-Africa trade and investment relations. The Forum is co-organized by the European Commission, the African Union Commission, as well as key business organizations and institutions in the EU and Africa. The week will end with the concert of MAISHA, a unique Afro-European musical collective that brings together 12 talented and recognized artists from both continents.
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