Assessing the Possibility of Strategic Alignment in European Union-African Union Relations (EU-AU) between 2017-2022

This study examined patterns of cooperation and strain in European Union-African Union (EU-AU) relations between 2017 and 2022, focusing on trade and investment, peace and security, migration governance, and climate action. Guided by interregionalism, which explains the structured and institutionalised nature of engagement, and liberal institutionalism, which accounts for the persistence of cooperation despite tensions, the analysis employed a qualitative documentary review of summit declarations, joint frameworks, and implementation reports. The findings indicate that while robust agenda-setting and operational cooperation were achieved, delivery outcomes remained uneven. Persistent gaps were linked to disbursement delays, conditionality-related frictions, regulatory divergence, and decision-making asymmetries, challenging the notion of a “partnership of equals.” From a critical perspective, these patterns reflect structural dependencies and differing policy priorities, which limit the African Union’s bargaining leverage. Nonetheless, areas where joint mandates were clear, African ownership was strong, and monitoring mechanisms were in place saw more consistent progress. The study concludes that genuine strategic alignment is possible only if agenda-setting is co-owned, conditionalities are adapted to African contexts, and capacity-building enhances AU institutional autonomy. These insights hold relevance for policymakers and scholars seeking to strengthen equitable interregional cooperation and promote the long-term sustainability of EU–Africa relations.