Prospects for Africa – Europe´s Policies  

In December 2007, African and European Heads of Governments adopted the Joint Africa-EU Strategic Partnership during the second Africa-EU summit in Lisbon. In this Strategy civil society of both continents is named as an important actor.  

However, until now civil society members have not been adequately involved in implementation of the Partnership, especially on the African side. The VENRO project will follow the Africa-EU Partnership constructively and critically, pointing out chances, as well as challenges, presented by the Strategy.  

The VENRO members and African partner organisations have defined civil society requirements and positions in areas of trade, energy and climate, as well as gender. These contributions will be considered in decision-making processes by the policy makers.  

At the same time, the purpose of the VENRO project is to strengthen civil society networks in Africa and support their participation in the implementation processes of the Africa-EU Partnership.  

The VENRO Project "Prospects for Africa – Europe´s Policies" focuses on policies related to energy and climate, trade and regional integration as well as gender. These central issues were identified as important topics by the African partners.  

In 2009 and 2010, several events concerning the Africa-EU Partnership will be organised by VENRO and its members. Workshops and conferences in Germany and Europe expect participation from both continents.
Further information on the planned events is available here.  

VENRO also publishes a regular monthly e-mail newsletter with articles and background information on the latest issues of the Partnership and activities of the VENRO project.