Strengthening EU-Global South Partnerships Through Policy Coherence and Equity

As the climate crisis intensifies and global inequalities deepen, the urgency for policy coherence across regions and sectors has never been greater. Speaking at the European Parliament’s Development Committee session on Policy Coherence for Development, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), highlighted a call to action for the European Union (EU) to harmonize its international development policies with the realities and aspirations of the Global South.

A Holistic Vision for Development

The EU’s Global Gateway aims to mobilize up to €300 billion through the “Team Europe” approach—an ambitious effort to transform key sectors such as climate, energy, health, and digital infrastructure. However, coherence between its various development, climate, trade, and foreign policy instruments must be ensured for this initiative to deliver sustainable outcomes. Dr. Mithika cautioned that past inconsistencies in EU policy have led to trade-offs that undermine progress. For example, financing green transitions while simultaneously supporting fossil fuel projects, or promoting labor mobility while tightening migration regulations, reflects a lack of synergy in policy planning and execution.

Advancing a Just and Inclusive Transition

The European Critical Raw Materials Act and the Global Gateway’s raw materials strategy have far-reaching implications for Africa, where most of the world’s critical minerals—like cobalt and rare earths—are sourced. While these policies aim to reduce EU dependencies and enhance supply chain sustainability, they must also serve as a vehicle for equitable development and community transformation. “To truly speak of a just transition,” Mithika emphasized, “we must recognize where communities are transitioning from—and ensure they are not merely resource providers, but beneficiaries and co-creators of the transition process.”

Financing Africa’s Future

Africa’s climate finance needs are staggering. According to the 2024 “Landscape of Climate Finance in Africa” report, the continent attracted USD 44 billion in 2021/22—only a quarter of what is required to meet 2030 climate goals. The €150 billion investment pledge under the Global Gateway must be more than numbers—it must translate into locally driven and climate-resilient initiatives that address poverty, infrastructure gaps, and inequality. EU development finance mechanisms must not conflict with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate finance, aid, and investment should reinforce each other rather than dilute efforts through fragmented approaches.

The Health-Climate Nexus

Climate change is fast becoming a public health crisis. From disease outbreaks to weakened health systems, the impacts are most acutely felt in the Global South. While the EU’s €4.7 billion investment in South Africa—targeting energy transition, vaccine manufacturing, and connectivity—is a welcome move, integration of climate resilience into health strategies remains limited. “Africa’s health and climate challenges are interconnected. Climate-smart health systems must be prioritized, not treated in isolation,” noted Mithika.

Strengthening Mutual Accountability

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), while aimed at curbing carbon leakage, was rolled out with minimal consultation with African countries. Such unilateral policymaking undermines trust and could jeopardize regional trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Inclusive development requires shared ownership. Development strategies must be informed by on-the-ground realities, not just external goals. As African leaders flagged during the 2022 EU-AU Summit, policies like CBAM—though well-intentioned—must undergo robust bilateral engagement to foster alignment and avoid policy discord.

The Role of Lawmakers in Bridging the Gap

European lawmakers hold immense power in shaping the future of EU-Africa relations. Through legislative oversight, democratic dialogue, and policy scrutiny, the European Parliament can ensure that trade, climate, migration, and health policies reinforce rather than contradict each other.

Dr. Mithika urged the Parliament to:

• Foster equitable trade and investment agreements.
• Promote inclusive parliamentary dialogues with African voices.
• Monitor and evaluate development finance for real-world impact.
• Champion knowledge transfer and technology access as core components of development partnerships.

For partnerships between the EU and the Global South to succeed, they must be built on trust, coherence, and mutual respect. As the world races to meet climate and development targets, policy alignment across sectors and borders is no longer optional—it is imperative. The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance continues to call for policies that reflect the lived realities of African communities and support their rightful place at the center of global transformation.