Assessment of the European Repositioning Strategy in Africa

In light of recent developments in the African Sahel region, where military regimes remain unstable despite apparent public support, it has become essential to evaluate and redirect European Union (EU) strategies. While individual European countries are making efforts to enhance cooperation with Africa on fairer foundations, critics warn that this new approach may be superficial, lacking substantive change, as evidenced by the gap between rhetoric and action in France’s policy in the Sahel region. Moreover, these efforts may not adequately respond to the geopolitical shifts currently unfolding in the Sahel and West Africa.

Russia has become the first country to recognize the Sahel Alliance, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, following a meeting of the foreign ministers of these three countries with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow in early April 2025. It is clear that such cooperation enables the Kremlin to achieve its goals of diminishing Western influence in Africa, reaffirming itself as a resurgent great power, and creating opportunities to threaten NATO’s southern flank.

This article attempts to discuss the European Union’s repositioning strategy in Africa, which seeks to balance firmness and flexibility, focus on mutual interests, and avoid repeating past mistakes, while considering the changing geopolitical transformations in the region. This can be linked to two essential approaches: the first related to new European initiatives, and the second focusing on the policies of certain European countries that act independently, alongside what the “new Trumpism” represents in terms of opportunities and challenges.

Are European Initiatives Enough?

In the context of the increasing challenges faced by the Sahel region, the importance of evaluating EU initiatives aimed at achieving stability and development in the area becomes apparent. The EU remains a key partner for Africa and has launched several initiatives to support economic, social, and security development. However, the critical question remains: Are these initiatives sufficient to address the complex challenges in the region?

For instance, the “Global Gateway Initiative” (GGI) represents an ambitious strategy for the EU, aiming to enhance global infrastructure and sustainable development. This initiative, with funding of €300 billion—of which €150 billion is allocated to Africa—aims to compete with China’s “Belt and Road Initiative.” However, the European initiative distinguishes itself by offering grants instead of loans, which can provide a competitive advantage by avoiding the debt accumulation that concerns many African nations. It also adheres to international environmental and social standards to ensure sustainability, in addition to a “Team Europe” approach that aims to leverage collective European expertise and resources.

Nonetheless, the initiative faces challenges and criticisms, as some view it merely as a rebranding of already allocated funds, thereby diminishing its additional impact. It also faces fierce competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which holds significant influence in Africa, making successful implementation and good coordination between European entities and African partner countries imperative.

On another front, the partnership between Africa and the EU serves as a strategic framework for multilateral cooperation aimed at promoting shared interests while addressing common challenges. This partnership encompasses a wide range of actors, including EU member states, the African Union, NGOs, the private sector, and youth organizations. It is characterized by inclusivity, bringing together a broad array of stakeholders, thus enhancing coordination and collaboration. It also provides a strategic framework for cooperation in areas such as peace and security, good governance, economic development, and climate change.

However, this partnership suffers from bureaucracy and complexity, hindering effective implementation, while inadequate funding limits its ability to achieve its objectives. Some argue that the EU’s approach of treating Africa as a homogenous bloc disregards the national specifics of African states, leading to agreements that may not be fully implementable. The partnership has also seen a decline in its influence in recent years due to global geopolitical changes.

In light of these challenges, there is a need for a comprehensive reassessment of the partnership between Africa and the EU; this process should aim to make the partnership more effective, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs and priorities of both continents.

Sustainability of Unilateral Solutions

Ironically, Italy has continued its cooperation with the ruling authorities in Niger, driven by a practical approach and its national interests. This is evident in the ongoing bilateral military support and training mission (MISIN), making it the only Western country, aside from Russia, with a military presence in Niger. This move reflects the importance of Niger as a vital transit point for irregular migration to Europe, as well as Rome’s efforts to address broader security challenges, such as smuggling and escalating jihadist violence. Nonetheless, this independent Italian endeavor raises concerns about undermining the broader EU direction, which relies on linking aid to democratic progress and good governance. Furthermore, this pragmatic approach contrasts with EU standards and approaches closer to those of Russia and China that disregard such conditions; thus, the government of Giorgia Meloni faces criticism for challenging the European consensus that imposed sanctions on the coup leaders in Niger, undermining the EU’s credibility in supporting democracy.

Conversely, this divergence may serve the EU’s interests. Through Italy, the EU maintains a symbolic presence in the region. However, financial difficulties prompt Italian Prime Minister Meloni to seek multilateral support for her ambitious “Matté” plan for Africa, aimed at bolstering Italy’s role in Africa through economic and security projects. This plan, which adopts an alternative approach, received cautious welcome from African leaders at the recent Italy-Africa summit in Rome. Its objectives intersect with the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, indicating the potential for integration to reduce the risks associated with unilateral actions and alleviate financial burdens.

It is also noteworthy in this context to mention Hungary’s participation. Budapest has deepened its bilateral relations with Chad, particularly since 2023, focusing on military and agricultural cooperation. In November 2023, the Hungarian government approved the deployment of a military mission of 200 soldiers to Chad, aiming to enhance regional stability through migration management, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian support.

Given the close relationship between Budapest and Moscow, in contrast to the strained relations between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the European Commission leadership, some observers report a “complex diplomatic landscape” in which this mission will be executed. Furthermore, Hungary is likely to face opposition from other EU countries. This complexity increased after the termination of the military agreement between N’Djamena and Paris and the withdrawal of French forces. Other European countries have recently promoted a new path to fair, mutually beneficial cooperation based on equality. In 2023, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development adopted a plan titled “Shaping the Future with Africa,” calling for a “partnership based on respect and reciprocity” and “building an open, honest dialogue.”

Undoubtedly, this divergence in European positions towards Sahel countries raises questions about the EU’s commitment to its core values and undermines its credibility as a unified actor in foreign policy. By ignoring the military coup in Niger and maintaining bilateral cooperation, Italy challenges the EU agenda that imposed sanctions on members of the military council and condemned the coup.

However, this unilateral approach may have some positive aspects. By keeping channels of communication open with military regimes, European countries may maintain their influence in the region and work to mitigate the crisis. This method may also allow European countries to respond more flexibly to the specific needs of each country in the Sahel region.

Nonetheless, the question remains: Can the unilateral approach be a sustainable solution to the complex challenges facing the Sahel region? Can European nations balance their own interests with their commitments to the EU and its core values? These questions require further discussion and analysis to ensure that Europe’s strategy in the Sahel is effective, sustainable, and grounded in shared values.

Opportunity of the “New Trumpism”:

The rise of the new Trumpism, with its conservative leanings, presents a timely opportunity to enhance European-African relations. With the likelihood of the United States reducing its focus on multilateralism and development aid, Europe could bolster its position as a trusted partner for African countries, particularly by focusing on trade, investment, and mutual security interests. This may include leveraging existing initiatives, such as the Global Gateway, to provide a compelling alternative to Chinese investment, emphasizing Europe’s commitment to democratic values and sustainable development, in contrast to the potential policies of the new Trump administration. Nevertheless, this opportunity also requires careful assessment of possible transatlantic tensions and proactive efforts to ensure that any European engagement aligns with African priorities while achieving long-term and equitable partnerships.

In conclusion, the future of the European presence in Africa is at stake amidst the continent’s complex challenges and the growing influence of Russia and China, combined with the potential retreat of U.S. presence. To address this shifting landscape, the EU must transcend outdated traditional approaches and adopt genuine partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual benefit. This demands acknowledging past mistakes, prioritizing African roles and agency, and adapting strategies to the specific context of each country. By promoting transparency, consistency, and a willingness to challenge assumptions and preconceived notions, the EU can hope to build a more sustainable and impactful role in Africa—one that contributes to stability and sustainable development in the face of shifting global power dynamics.