Africa and European Union form energy partnership

Development ministers of the 27 European Union member states concluded their informal meeting Tuesday with 78 African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) states by forming an energy partnership.

German Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul announced the forging of an energy partnership between the nations following their meeting in Petersberg near Bonn, where about 30 ministers represented the ACP nations.

She emphasised that without sustainable access to energy, no development was possible.
“Rising costs for fossil energy are jeopardising development achievements in Africa.

“We in the European Union therefore want to support Africa in expanding the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency,” Ms Wieczorek-Zeul said at a joint media conference with EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel and Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

The minister also drew attention to the impact of climate change in Africa.

“It is obvious that Africa is not to blame for anthropogenic climate change, but Africa is hit particularly hard by the consequences of climate change,” she said.

BuaNews