EU urges Africa to deepen ties on climate action

Teresa Ribera, executive vice president of the European Commission for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, has called for deeper partnerships among African countries in addressing climate change challenges.

She noted that Africa and Europe shared a common vision and pressing global challenges.

Ms Ribera made the call during her address at the opening ceremony of the Second Africa–EU Climate Summit (ACS2) on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The summit, themed “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development”, focused on strategic measures to fight climate change across both continents.

“Working together on the great challenges is the best way to strengthen knowledge and response capacity, to identify effective measures, to learn from our neighbours, and to join forces,” Ms Ribera said.

She noted that Africa and Europe shared not only history and geography but also a common vision and pressing global challenges.

Together, Africa and Europe represent 40 per cent of the global population.

“We gather amid interconnected crises and inequalities that affect both continents.

“This demands not just development for Africa, but fair development and equal opportunities for African peoples,” she said.

Ms Ribera stressed the importance of multilateralism, the rule of law, and human dignity in the face of global instability.

“At a time when multilateralism, the rule of law and principles of human dignity are being questioned, staying firm is imperative.

“In these turbulent times, Europe will not give up on its responsibilities.”

She warned that climate change was already impacting lives and livelihoods and said that adaptation must remain a central pillar of mutual cooperation.

Ms Ribera highlighted the Team Europe Initiative on Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, currently being advanced by seven EU member states.

“The initiative includes investments in preparedness, community support for displacement, and access to Copernicus satellite data.

“From the Global Shield to regional climate security programmes, our goal is clear: preparedness saves lives, strengthens peace, and creates stability that attracts investment and supports economic growth,” she said.

Ms Ribera also emphasised the significance of upcoming international decisions, including the adoption of the International Maritime Organisation’s Net Zero Framework, which will introduce emissions limits and greenhouse gas pricing in the shipping industry.

“This framework aims to balance ambitious decarbonisation with inclusive benefits and will create new economic opportunities, such as green fuels and infrastructure development,” she said.

She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to climate finance, noting that the $1.3 trillion roadmap adopted in Baku was a key component of the global climate agenda.

“It’s not only about raising ambition but also about shifting mindsets and building new governance tools that can deliver climate finance at the scale required.”

Ms Ribera called for urgent reform of the international financial system to overcome structural barriers such as high capital costs, rising debt burdens, and investment risks.

She also highlighted Africa’s untapped potential in the green economy.

“Africa is home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, 30 per cent of critical minerals, and a young and optimistic generation ready to innovate.

“Yet nearly 600 million people still lack access to electricity. Closing this gap is urgent and possible,” she said.

Ms Ribera noted that the EU remained Africa’s largest trading partner and investor and urged both continents to build on the partnership to achieve shared climate goals.

“Together, we can turn potential into reality, build clean energy systems, add value to raw materials, create decent jobs, and strengthen resilient communities.”

She said the upcoming Africa–EU Summit in Luanda presented an opportunity to renew commitments under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and deepen cooperation.

“We can use our path to Luanda’s summit as a chance to reaffirm our willingness to move forward together,” Ms Ribera said.