PAP and EP Deliver Joint Declaration in Luanda After Strategic Parliamentary Pre-Summit in Midrand

A historic moment in intercontinental parliamentary diplomacy unfolded on Monday as H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), and H.E. Younous Omarjee, Vice-President of the European Parliament (EP), formally handed over the Joint Declaration of the Pan-African and European Parliaments [PDF] to the leadership of the 7th AU–EU Summit in Luanda.

The Declaration, adopted following intensive deliberations in South Africa earlier this month, reaffirms the commitment of both continents to renewing their 25-year partnership through democratic values, mutual accountability, and shared prosperity. It also outlines a set of aligned priorities that will inform decision-making by African and European Heads of State and Government during the ongoing Summit.

The Joint Declaration is a culmination of a robust parliamentary process initiated during the AU–EU Parliamentary Pre-Summit Meeting [WATCH HERE] hosted at the PAP Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa, on 14–15 November 2025. The two-day engagement convened under the banner “Renewing Africa–Europe Parliamentary Cooperation in a Changing Global Context.”

This meeting brought together Members of the Pan-African Parliament and a high-level delegation from the European Parliament for structured dialogue, consultations, and consensus-building. It served as a rare and meaningful platform for the two continental legislatures to shape a unified parliamentary voice ahead of the Luanda Summit.

In his opening remarks [WATCH HERE], PAP President Chief Fortune Charumbira emphasized that the PAP–EP partnership must evolve towards deeper, more strategic cooperation that directly influences policy and legislative processes. He highlighted the imperative of ensuring that the voices and aspirations of African and European citizens are fully reflected in intergovernmental dialogue.

EP Vice-President Younous Omarjee, leading the EP delegation, described [WATCH HERE] the gathering as a “long-awaited and historic encounter,” noting that the European Parliament regarded the meeting as a priority in strengthening its ties with Africa’s continental legislature.

Both leaders underscored that, as law-making and oversight institutions, parliaments carry a unique responsibility: to safeguard democratic governance while ensuring that high-level political decisions are grounded in citizen-centred perspectives.

European Delegation and Parliamentary Diplomacy

The European Parliament’s involvement was coordinated through its Delegation for Relations with the Pan-African Parliament (DPAP); the formal structure responsible for inter-parliamentary dialogue with PAP. The Midrand mission, led by Vice-President Omarjee, engaged in extensive consultations with PAP Committees, caucuses, and leadership structures.

While the official documents do not enumerate all MEPs who travelled to Midrand, the DPAP’s longstanding mandate underscored the institutional significance of the mission. The presence of the EP Vice-President signalled the European Union’s commitment to elevating parliamentary diplomacy as a pillar of AU–EU cooperation.

Key Outcomes of the Midrand Deliberations

Across plenary sessions, committee breakouts, and bilateral engagements, MPs from both continents deliberated on shared policy concerns and challenges. The key areas of convergence included:

1. Migration, Mobility, and Youth Engagement

Parliamentarians advocated for balanced, humane mobility frameworks and youth-focused initiatives that support Africa-Europe cooperation in education, employment, and innovation.

2. Legislative Harmonisation and Model Laws

Discussions focused on strengthening legislative cooperation through the exchange of model laws and best practices. PAP’s Model Law on Gender Equality was highlighted as a candidate for alignment and comparative legislative dialogue with European counterparts.

3. Peace, Security, and Multilateral Governance

Delegates reaffirmed that both continents must champion strengthened multilateralism, rooted in democratic legitimacy and respect for human rights.

4. Economic Transformation and Financial Architecture Reform

Dialogue centred on continental integration, inclusive growth, and advocacy for fairer global financial systems — particularly reforms to benefit developing and low-income economies.

These insights were consolidated and refined into shared messages and recommendations that now form the backbone of the Joint Declaration handed over in Luanda. [WATCH JOINT REFLECTION HERE]

The formal handover of the Joint Declaration in Luanda symbolizes the journey from parliamentary deliberation to continental decision-making. Standing side-by-side, Chief Charumbira and Vice-President Omarjee presented a unified parliamentary position to Summit leaders; a gesture that underscored the equality and mutual respect between Africa’s and Europe’s legislative institutions.

The Declaration calls for a renewed partnership that recognises Africa’s development priorities as articulated in Agenda 2063, aligns with the EU’s strategic orientations, and strengthens the AU–EU political framework as both continents mark 25 years of structured cooperation.

Significance for the AU–EU Partnership

The process leading from Midrand to Luanda is a powerful demonstration of the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy in shaping global governance. By crafting and presenting a joint position, PAP and EP assert themselves as essential contributors to intergovernmental dialogue, ensuring that citizen-centred priorities guide continental and intercontinental policy outcomes.

The Declaration stands as a testament to the shared determination of both parliaments to:

• Deepen democratic collaboration

• Enhance legislative cooperation

• Strengthen mutual accountability

• Advance peace, development, and prosperity across both continents