Barroso calls for new EU pact with Africa

The enlargement of the European Union, including the inclusion of Malta and Cyprus to the south, requires a new pact with Africa, the President of the European Commission told a summit of African leaders yesterday.

José Manuel Barroso delivered a strong message of support for the African integration process and for the impressive changes that the continent has undergone in recent years.

Addressing the Summit of the African Union, taking place in Sirte, Libya, Mr Barroso said that recent changes in both Africa and Europe called for a re-assessment of the relationship between the two continents.

"Today, there is a unique opportunity to put in place a new political partnership between an enlarged Europe and a re-emerging Africa," he said.

He announced that in autumn, the Commission will put forward a comprehensive and long-term strategy for Africa. This strategy will be discussed with the African Union and the sub-regional organisations and will provide a solid basis for a new Euro-Africa Pact.

Mr Barroso also called for a Euro-Africa summit to take place in Lisbon next year.

He spoke about the importance of Africa to Europe on the eve of the G8 Summit in Gleneagles, where he intends to deliver an ambitious message on trade and aid. He also raised the importance of human rights and good governance.

"These are universal values and must be defended universally," he said.

Development Commissioner Louie Michel, who accompanied Mr Barroso in Libya, said that interconnecting Africa will be an essential element of the EU strategy.

Mr Barroso and Mr Michel also met the Libyan authorities. Last week, Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini said their discussions were to include the possibility of drawing up a long-term action plan to combat illegal immigration.