EU-African Union ministerial meeting
EU and the African Union foreign ministers met in Brussels on 21 May to review progress since the 2022 Summit and strengthen cooperation. The meeting marked the 25th anniversary of the EU-AU partnership, paving the way for the 7th AU-EU Summit later this year.

Foreign affairs ministers from the European Union and African Union met in Brussels on 21 May, with some 70 delegations participating. Finland was represented by Political State Secretary Pasi Rajala.
The meeting reviewed progress since the 2022 EU-AU Summit and focused on enhancing cooperation in this 25th anniversary year of the EU-AU partnership. Discussions covered peace, security, governance, multilateralism, prosperity, migration, and mobility.
Africa remains a key geopolitical priority for the EU, which is its largest trading partner, investor, and donor, with €309 billion in FDI in 2022.

Finland highlighted strengthening trade relations:
“Unlike, perhaps, some other trading partners, Europe has a vested interest in Africa's prosperity and peace. Our futures are intertwined. Our long-term goal should be a continent-to-continent trade agreement,” said State Secretary Rajala at the meeting.
The meeting was co-chaired by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Angola’s Foreign Minister Tete António.
The meeting paves the way for the 7th AU-EU Summit, which will take place in Africa.

More information
EU-Africa relations: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-africa/
Meeting information: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-ministerial-meetings/2025/05/21/eu-au/