Cape Town, March 13, 2025 – As global geopolitical tensions rise, the European Union (EU) and South Africa convene in Cape Town for their eighth summit, a pivotal event aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen represent the EU, while South African President Cyril Ramaphosa leads discussions from the host nation’s side. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, climate imperatives, and regional instability, this summit seeks to reaffirm the strategic partnership between the two entities.
A Strategic Partnership in a Changing World
Since 2007, the EU-South Africa strategic partnership has facilitated high-level engagements across multiple sectors. Today, as populist movements gain traction and geopolitical landscapes shift, both parties recognize the necessity of reinforcing their collaboration. The summit’s agenda reflects this urgency, focusing on trade and investment, digital and green transitions, security, energy, research and development, critical raw materials, and education.
The leaders will also address pressing international crises, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and instability in Sudan and South Sudan. These discussions underscore the growing role of South Africa as a key regional player and the EU’s commitment to fostering stability beyond its borders.
Economic and Trade Cooperation: A Driving Force
Economic ties remain a cornerstone of the EU-South Africa relationship. In 2023, trade in goods between the two partners reached €49 billion, with the EU serving as South Africa’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, the EU accounted for 53.7% of foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa in 2022. These figures highlight the economic interdependence that both sides aim to further solidify during the summit.
The Southern African Development Community Economic Partnership Agreement (SADC EPA), signed in 2016, has facilitated greater market access, with the EU eliminating tariffs on 98.7% of South African imports. This agreement continues to serve as a catalyst for regional and bilateral trade expansion, aligning with South Africa’s broader economic goals.
Energy and Sustainability: A Just Transition
South Africa’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by its commitment to a just energy transition. Both the EU and South Africa have emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation and investment facilitation to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and critical raw materials development. As South Africa prepares to take on the G20 presidency, these discussions align with its climate and sustainable development priorities, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
Security and Regional Stability: Shared Concerns
Security cooperation is an increasingly important pillar of the EU-South Africa relationship. The summit provides an opportunity to address regional instability, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan. Given the EU’s strategic interest in African stability, collaboration on conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance will be central to the discussions.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment
The EU-South Africa partnership has been characterized by regular ministerial dialogues and sectoral cooperation, with the latest Joint Cooperation Council (JCC) meeting in Brussels and ministerial political dialogue in Cape Town laying the groundwork for today’s summit. The joint statement expected at the conclusion of the summit will reaffirm shared commitments and outline actionable steps toward deeper engagement.
As global dynamics evolve, the EU and South Africa stand at a crossroads—faced with economic, environmental, and security challenges that necessitate robust and adaptable partnerships. This summit marks not just a reaffirmation of ties but a commitment to navigating an increasingly complex world together.
