Following two days of dialogue in Luanda, Angola, on 24 and 25 November 2025, the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) adopted a Joint Declaration, marking an important step in redefining their joint approach to migration. Stepping away from the alarmist narratives and preconceived ideas that often dominate public debate, the two blocs reaffirmed that, when managed safely, regularly and with full respect for human dignity, human mobility can be a shared opportunity.

In their final document, the two organisations emphasise a fundamental principle: migration is not a threat, but a natural phenomenon that, if managed well, can stimulate economic, social and human progress in countries of origin and host destinations alike.

According to the declaration, legal pathways for mobility are an essential tool for fostering innovation, skills transfer and economic integration between the two continents, and are vital for students, researchers, academics and entrepreneurs.

This approach clearly opposes reductive representations that systematically associate migration with crisis, danger or loss. The AU and the EU therefore recognise the significant contributions of African diaspora members in terms of remittances, investments and the circulation of knowledge. They also commit to reducing the cost of migrant remittances to strengthen their impact on local development.

Shared responsibility and human rights at the core

The text adopted by the heads of State and Governments reaffirms a comprehensive and balanced vision of migration, based on shared responsibility and respect for human rights.

The two partners have announced strengthening their cooperation in order to prevent irregular migration, combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking, improve border management and ensure that return procedures are safe and dignified and in line with international law.

The text also emphasises the root causes of forced displacement, such as persistent inequalities, regional instability, a lack of economic opportunities and climate vulnerability. The AU and the EU state their intention to address these challenges by investing in inclusive growth, stability, and sustainable development.

Creatiing more legal pathways between Africa and Europe

One of the summit’s key messages is the need to open and expand legal migration pathways. African States in particular are championing this approach, calling for easier academic exchange programmes, student mobility and circular migration schemes. These forms of mobility offer a safer alternative to the dangerous routes taken by many young people searching for opportunities, who often fall victim to criminal networks.

The African Migration Observatory (AMO), which is based in Morocco, and the Rabat and Khartoum regional processes will play a pivotal role in coordinating these new migration policies.

A changing geopolitical context

The 7th African Union (AU) – European Union (EU) Summit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the partnership between the two organisations. During the opening session, the Angolan president, João Lourenço, called for a fairer international system in which African countries could participate fully in global governance.

For his part, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, reiterated the need to remove trade barriers hindering African exports to Europe. He stressed that the migration issue cannot be separated from the challenges of economic development.

Meanwhile, heads of State discussed issues relating to investment, industrialisation, mineral resources and bilateral trade — areas that will influence future mobility between the two continents.

Shifting the story of migration: from trepidation to collaboration

By reaffirming that safe, orderly and regular migration can be a source of mutual prosperity, the African and European unions are paving the way for a fairer and more realistic discourse.

This summit is a clear attempt to dispel the stereotypes surrounding African migration and promote a vision based on facts, dignity and most of all, cooperation.