Global Gateway: EU and Smart Africa strengthen partnership for Africa’s digital transformation
3 December 2024
Today, the EU and Smart Africa Alliance have further enhanced their collaboration to bridge the digital divide in Africa by signing an Administrative Arrangement and a grant agreement under the Global Gateway strategy. The partnership was formalised during a high-level roundtable discussion with European and African government representatives, private sector leaders and civil society. Key objectives of the agreement are deploying secure, affordable digital networks, advancing e-governance services, and exploring the potential of artificial intelligence. The event was co-organised by the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub.
Botswana to establish export certification point for rough diamonds with G7 collaboration
A Joint Statement by Botswana and the G7 diamond technical team.
A G7 import ban on Russian origin diamonds began on 1 January 2024. On 1 March 2024, Russian diamonds processed in third countries were also banned in the G7 jurisdictions. On 1 March 2024, the first certification node with the ability to certify the origin of rough diamonds and issue G7 certificates became operational in the EU. Following this, the G7 diamond technical team and Botswana have increased collaboration on enhancing traceability and transparency in the diamond trade.
Parliament approves the “von der Leyen II” Commission
Following a debate with Ursula von der Leyen on her new team and programme, MEPs elected the College of Commissioners as a whole by roll-call vote.
- Second von der Leyen Commission approved by 370 votes for, 282 against, 36 abstentions
- College of Commissioners expected to take office on 1 December
- MEPs to monitor Commission commitments for the next five years
Details on how each MEP voted will be available shortly on Parliament’s dedicated webpage and in the plenary session's minutes.
To be confirmed, the College of Commissioners needed a majority of the votes cast (rule 129.7 of the EP Rules of Procedure).
This will be Ursula von der Leyen’s second term as Commission President, following the approval of her first Commission by MEPs in November 2019.
EBRD to support expansion of largest windfarm in Africa
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting the development and sustainability of Egypt’s renewable-energy sector by extending a US$ 21.3 million loan to Red Sea Wind Energy. The loan will fund the development and construction of a 150 MW expansion to the 500 MW wind farm currently being constructed in the country’s Gulf of Suez region.
European Commission and South Africa launch the Scaling up Renewables in Africa campaign
Today in Rio de Janeiro, on the eve of the G20 Summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the global campaign ‘Scaling up Renewables in Africa' during Global Citizen NOW.
Hearing of Executive Vice-President-designate Stéphane Séjourné
On Tuesday, four parliamentary committees questioned Stéphane Séjourné, French candidate for the Prosperity and Industrial Strategy portfolio.
Hearing of Commissioner-designate Maroš Šefčovič
On Monday, the International Trade and Constitutional Affairs committees questioned Šefčovič, Slovak candidate for Trade and Economic Security/ Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency.
Hearing of Commissioner-designate Jozef Síkela
The Committee on Development questioned Jozef Síkela, Czech candidate for the International Partnerships portfolio, on Wednesday.
The European Union confirms its cooperation priorities with partners around the world are fit for purpose and approves funds for 2025-2027
The European Commission has adopted the mid-term review of the programming of NDICI-Global Europe for Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific, the Americas and the Caribbean, the external dimension of Erasmus+, and for the thematic programmes on Human Rights and Democracy, Civil Society Organisations, Peace, Stability and Conflict prevention, and Global Challenges.
Central African Republic: Council extends the mandate of the EU advisory mission for two years
The Council adopted on October 21st, 2024, a decision extending the mandate of the EU advisory mission in the Central African Republic (EUAM RCA) for a further two years, until 7 August 2026, with a budget allocation of over €24 million for this period.