The aim of the seminar was to examine the relationship between Africa and Europe in the 21st Century, and to investigate whether this relationship is one of habit or is of real strategic importance to both parties. The meeting explored three key issues: first, the unfolding economic relationship (trade, aid and debt) between the two continents; second, peacekeeping and military co-operation; and third, migration. Guided by these three thematic areas, the policy advisory group discussed and debated the context of the Africa-Europe relationship in detail, examining particularly the interests of Europe in Africa and the political, economic and security roles that Africa expects Europe to play on the continent. The perspectives included in this report emerged from the diverse views expressed at the seminar, as well as from additional research, but do not necessarily represent a consensus position by the group.
