On the eve of the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Ursula von der Leyen assures that Tunisia can accelerate its transformation by focusing on renewables.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the African Union–European Union partnership, the Luanda Summit (November 24–25) opens with renewed ambitions.
Leaders from the two continents, united around the theme “Promoting peace and prosperity through effective multilateralism”, must announce new projects linked to energy and digital transformation.
For Tunisia, the European Union says it is ready to strengthen its support, particularly in renewable energies, a sector considered decisive for the future of the country.
A new wave of investments
In an exclusive statement to the TAP agency, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented this summit as a “turning point” intended to open “a new era of trade and genuine cooperation”.
She recalled that several initiatives will be unveiled as part of Global Gateway, the European investment plan intended to improve interconnections and support sustainable development in Africa.
The Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Ali Nafti, represents Tunisia at this 7th AU-EU summit, where new programs in energy, digital technology and critical raw materials will be launched. Europe insists on its role as a direct neighbor and first trading partner of Africa, affirming that it wants to take this partnership “to a higher level”.
Interconnection with Italy and expansion of solar
For Ursula von der Leyen, the energy transition constitutes a strategic issue for Tunis. She highlighted the Tunisia–Italy underwater electricity interconnection project, supported by the EU, as a crucial lever to strengthen energy security, integrate more renewable energies and stabilize supplies on both shores.
Europe also ensures that it supports Tunisian projects to expand solar and wind power, affirming that this diversification will reduce energy production costs, create “tens of thousands of jobs” and offer the country more sustainable growth.
According to her, reducing dependence on fossil fuels could transform the Tunisian energy system and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
An energy future
Beyond the bilateral framework, von der Leyen stressed that the EU wishes to intensify cooperation with the African Union around clean renewable energies and strategic raw materials, with the aim of creating more added value on African soil and generating jobs for local populations.
She recalled the “Scaling Up Renewables in Africa” campaign, launched with South Africa a year ago, intended to mobilize investments for access to electricity and the expansion of clean energy. The European Union has just allocated an additional 15.5 billion euros to support the networks, attract investors and help the 600 million Africans without electricity.
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