EU-South Africa Summit 2012

The EU and South Africa Summit is an opportunity to strengthen the strategic dialogue between the EU and South Africa and to discuss a number of issues, in particular global governance, climate change, trade, development issues, the Joint Africa-EU strategy, the South Africa-EU strategic partnership and peace and security in Africa.

A strong relationship has evolved between the European Union and South Africa since the birth of South African democracy in 1994. This relationship is underpinned by the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA) signed in 1999, which provides the legal basis for close relations between the EU and South Africa on trade, development, economic cooperation and political dialogue.

The significance of South Africa for the EU was consolidated with the establishment of a Strategic Partnership in 2007. The Strategic Partnership has two strands: enhanced political dialogue and cooperation on regional, African and world issues, and stronger cooperation in a number of economic, social and other areas.

The Strategic Partnership Action Plan foresees Summit level meetings at regular intervals, bringing the political dialogue to the highest level and providing political orientation and steering to the partnership.