From Vision to Action: Seizing the Moment for a Renewed AU–EU Partnership
19 November 2025As African and European leaders gather in Luanda for the 7th AU–EU Summit, they do so at a defining moment for both continents. The world is confronting rapidly evolving crises such as protracted conflicts, democratic backsliding, growing humanitarian needs, and widening inequalities that disproportionately affect children, girls, and young people. Yet this moment also offers an unparalleled opportunity: to reimagine the AU–EU partnership as one truly rooted in rights, inclusive quality education, and equity.
A delegation from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) team visited an IDP camp in Gedaref state (Sudan), where Plan International runs various activities.
As an organisation working across Africa, Europe, and the humanitarian-development nexus, Plan International strongly welcomes the momentum generated by the 2025 Ministerial Joint Communiqué and the Civil Society and Youth Declaration. Both reaffirm the essential role of young people as drivers of sustainable development and civic transformation. However, we have identified critical gaps particularly around gender equality, the protection and participation of girls, education in emergencies, and the strengthening of inclusive public systems. This Summit must go further, transforming shared aspirations into concrete, well-resourced commitments.
A rights-based approach must be the backbone of a renewed partnership. Across regions, civic space is shrinking, human rights defenders face increasing threats, and gender-based violence remains pervasive. Plan International urges AU and EU leaders to prioritise the safety, agency, and participation of girls and young women, ensuring that all people can engage freely, safely, and meaningfully in decisions shaping their futures. Upholding international humanitarian and human rights law, especially amid conflicts from Sudan to the Sahel, is equally vital as children continue to face grave violations.
Central to this vision is inclusive, quality education. Plan International’s work with children and young people across crisis-affected settings demonstrates that education is not only a foundational right but a catalyst for gender equality, protection, peacebuilding, and long-term economic resilience. Yet millions remain out of school, and girls face entrenched barriers that jeopardise their futures. AU–EU cooperation must prioritise education financing, foundational learning, gender-transformative approaches, and robust protection of education from attack.
Finally, equity must guide all investment and cooperation. Young people, particularly young women, need fair access to decent work, social protection, entrepreneurship opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods. With the right policies and financing, they can drive economic renewal and social transformation across both continents.
This Summit is a chance to move from declarations to action. Plan International calls on AU and EU leaders to seize this moment and build a people-centred partnership — one that truly advances human rights, education, and equity for every child and young person.
Read our Full Recommendations in our Position Paper:
From Vision to Action: A Renewed AU-EU Partnership Rooted in Rights, Education, and Equity
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