2 March 2006
Louis Michel, the most senior European Union (EU) official in charge of development assistance, is to propose upgrading the union's relations with South Africa to a higher level, according to Business Day.
The country already has a free-trade agreement with the EU, but Michel said on Monday that he would soon present a draft policy to European foreign ministers proposing a "preferred partnership", giving SA far greater recognition in the EU's strategic global awareness.
Business Day reports that the proposed upgrade could eventually put South Africa on a high-priority diplomatic footing with Europe, similar to that held by the US, China, Russia, India, and Brazil - all of which have special agreements with the EU.
As EU development commissioner, Michel oversees the union's aid programme which, with those of its member countries, accounts for about 55% of world aid.
On his visit to South Africa, Michel met President Thabo Mbeki, Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, with whom he discussed EU aid to African Union peacekeeping missions.
"We have many fields in which we can develop: research, transfer of technology and regional policies," Michel told Business Day.
"We need South Africa to be well-informed to help in our strategy for Africa. South Africa has a pivotal role in the continent. The geostrategic priority for Europe has to be Africa. The pillar of South Africa is our natural interlocutor, and that deserves a preferred strategic approach."
He said Europe considered Africa its foremost priority for aid, Business Day reports, adding that the union would for the first time consider a common programme for aid from the European Commission and those of its individual donor member countries in 2006.
"There is now a complete international consensus to give priority to Africa," he said. "This is a change because before Africa was a rather forgotten continent."
For the first time, aid recipient countries would not have to deal with the separate regulations of European donors and those of the EU, but rather one set, he told Business Day.
"If we are more coherent, we will be a lot more efficient," he said.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
