The implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the EU’s Relations with Africa

This policy briefing analyzes how the Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force on 1 December 2009, affects the European Union's (EU) relations with Africa. The author argues that while the Treaty streamlines EU internal processes and foreign policy, Africa is likely to command less attention as the EU prioritizes its own internal financial crises, the Western Balkans, and strategic partnerships with other emerging powers. The document suggests that African leaders should diversify their economic and development partnerships beyond the EU to reduce aid and trade dependence.

• The Lisbon Treaty, effective 1 December 2009, aims to improve the EU's international position by streamlining internal bureaucracy and creating a unified voice for foreign policy. This includes the creation of the President of the Council and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the latter of whom leads the European External Action Service (EEAS) and holds significant influence over development assistance.
• Africa is expected to receive less attention in the EU's foreign policy agenda following the Treaty. The EU's strategic interests in Africa will likely be narrowed to accelerating Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), supporting the African Union's (AU) security architecture, and addressing security threats in North Africa.
• The EU's external aid to Africa is threatened by internal financial instability and budgetary disputes. Specifically, the sovereign debt default of Greece in April 2010 and the resulting €750 billion rescue package, along with austerity measures in Spain, Portugal, and Italy, may lead to an inward contraction of priorities and reduced overseas development assistance.
• The EU's primary foreign policy priorities are shifting toward the Western Balkans, the Middle East, South Asia, and the United States. The EU is seeking strategic partnerships with global powers—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Japan—to maintain its global prominence as power shifts eastward.
• The relationship between the EU and Africa remains asymmetrical and strained, particularly regarding the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), which some African nations, such as South Africa, view as the EU prioritizing mercantilist interests over development.
• African policymakers are advised to diversify their economic relations and development assistance sources to reduce dependence on the EU. The document highlights the importance of South-South cooperation and engagement with emerging powers like China, India, Russia, and Brazil to foster sustainable growth.

APA

Qobo, M. (2010). The implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the EU’s Relations with Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Policy-Briefing-18.pdf

Chicago

Qobo, Mzukisi. The implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the EU’s Relations with Africa. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2010. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Policy-Briefing-18.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Qobo |first1=Mzukisi |title=The implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the EU’s Relations with Africa |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=July 2010 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Policy-Briefing-18.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{qobo2010implications, author = {Qobo, Mzukisi}, title = {{The implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the EU’s Relations with Africa}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2010}, month = jul, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Policy-Briefing-18.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }