Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions

Arakaza Dionise

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions

Arakaza Dionise^*

Published in American Journal of Applied Scientific Research (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 2 March 2025 Accepted: 12 March 2025 Published: 26 March 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

The European Union’s (EU) foreign aid has been significant to the African Union (AU) in undertaking its missions, especially regarding long-term growth, economic unity, and security and peace. Therefore, this article looks into the main ways that the EU helps the AU, rates how well they work, and rates how help from outside the AU adds to the work of member states. The study further shows the good and bad aspects of the partnership, using graphs to help people understand. The European Union has also been an essential growing partner for the African Union for a long time. Furthermore, by providing policy, technical, and financial help, the EU has helped Africa stay safe and grow. It also explores the EU’s involvement in African affairs, intending to maintain peace and strengthen the economy of the AU member states. Also, there is still a lot of disagreement about how long-term foreign aid might affect Africa’s ability to support itself. The EU, on the other hand, has done a lot to help Africa grow. Thus, this analysis is crucial to determining whether EU’s help will work long-term and fit Africa’s long-term goals by drawing which policies should be changed to make things work better and last longer and how much EU aid helps the AU meet its goals.

Published in	American Journal of Applied Scientific Research (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
Page(s)	109-119
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Aid, European Union, Missions, African Union

1. Introduction

The African Union was made to keep the peace and safety of the people of the Continent, thus encouraging the African states to work together and be one to protect their freedom, sovereignty, and territory’s integrity

[29]

. Moreover, the African Union also aided in ending colonialism in the region, encouraging individuals from various countries to keep the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in mind and the United Nations (UN) Charter to promote the states to work together. However, even with the work of AU member states, the area still needs more professional and financial help from outside the AU to help attract investors in the region. A nation with a robust economic foundation validates the economy’s growth and viability potential, enticing the country’s potential shareholders. Besides, among the big donors to the AU, the EU gives a lot of foreign aid in many forms, such as economic aid, support for peacekeeping, and governance initiatives; being the largest donor of African development assistance in encouraging international diplomacy and development, enabling the nations to work together to promote positive governance, fight hunger, and preserve natural resources. Therefore, this paper examines how EU foreign aid helps the AU realize its missions. Moreover, it shows how outside fundings help Africa grow while also dealing with problems that come with being too dependent on it.

Africa’s progress has depended on receiving help from other countries like EU nations to maintain peace in hostile regions like the Sahel and carry out development activities within various states. Nonetheless, Europe and Africa have a long history, so the EU has stepped up to help African countries, primarily through strategic agreements with the AU, to end corruption and conflict, thus maintaining peace in various states that encounter fights and conflict like Somalia and Sahel regions. Moreover, the goal of EU aid to other countries is to help them improve their economies, governments, and ties with other nations

[10]

. Nonetheless, the EU provides the AU with special assistance and funds, boosting economic growth, keeping politics safe, and supporting peace in the war zone. Nevertheless, the AU member states run their businesses and make better choices since the EU shares knowledge, gives money, and helps with African policy

[21]

. The EU-AU partnership comprises several agreements and plans, including the EU-Africa Strategy and the Cotonou Agreement, and their goal is to create models for long-term growth that benefit both areas; by boosting economic unity and supporting long-term growth, the partnership aims to bring Africa and Europe closer together. Besides, ensuring the effectiveness and durability of outside assistance is crucial for Africa’s progress.

2. Relevance of the Study

It’s essential to know how EU foreign aid affects the region and determine how well international relationships work in Africa since it shows how much the EU affects the continent’s development, stability, and political dynamics, signifying where improvement is needed in areas like governance, education, healthcare, and infrastructure that impact millions of the African citizens. Moreover, this research is vital for more than just safety; it’s also crucial for the economy and the governance, as it will benefit policymakers, development analysts, and researchers interested in African development, working together in the area, and foreign relations promoting stability, peaceful nations in Africa, and eradicating corruption within respective concerned regions. The study is also relevant as it shows how aid from other countries affects the growth of Africa’s economy by promoting stability and peace and eradicating corruption, which enables African countries to grow economically. Many African countries have trouble with budget deficits, lousy infrastructure, and slow industrialization; therefore, EU aid has been significant in helping them make up for lost money and boosting economic growth, thus promoting stability

[11]

. The study will look at EU aid to see how the money helps the AU run projects that strengthen trade, create jobs, and stabilize the economy. Moreover, this research is relevant for it helps examine how foreign aid promotes security and peace, vital for any country’s growth and stability. Armed wars, unstable governments, and security threats standoff economic and social development in Africa as the investors do not visit the countries that are affected by war since they fear losing their investments. This proves that when Africa faces security threats, they end up losing potential investors, hence threatening the African economy.

The AU’s peacekeeping operations try to stop fighting, and the EU’s military training programs help to stabilize trouble spots. This makes it easier for foreign investors to put money into African countries, which puts stability first

[24]

. Awareness of the importance of these activities helps people talk about strengthening security ties between Africa and its partners to ensure stability in African states and enable free trade with the EU nations as a favorable rapport is built between the two groups (EU and AU). The study also examines the programs that EU aid helps strengthen institutions and governments of the AU member states. Strengthening institutions and states gives weaker groups more power by giving them the correct information, knowledge, and skills to get more out of infrastructure, such as making it easier for people to get jobs, markets, and services. This makes the African government and its partners more reliable and builds a bond of commitment. Also, Africa still need strong political institutions and an open government to be successful in the long run since good government means making a place that is welcoming, aware of, and responsive to the needs of the people and able to handle many problems as faced.

Furthermore, developing leaders empowers governments to effect positive changes in society and the country

[37]

. Therefore, by looking at governance projects funded by the EU, this study shows how well aid works to improve democracy, protect human rights, and make policy-making easier within the AU framework. The study remains crucial as it critically examines the problems and complaints about EU foreign help. Even though aid helps with growth, there are still concerns about dependence, political influence, and the long-term success of projects. This is because donor countries, like the EU, can get involved in African countries’ politics, making it harder for them to achieve long-term economic growth. By understanding these issues, lawmakers can make plans to maximize the benefits of foreign aid and minimize its downsides. Researchers looked at EU aid to find out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to helping the AU reach its goals

[8]

. They also learned how to work together in the future; thus, the study is helpful for academics and real-life situations because it gives policymakers and development partners a way to make help more effective and ensure it fits with Africa’s long-term goals of becoming self-sufficient, therefore providing stability within the regions.

3. Key Foreign Aid Contributions to the African Union

3.1. Financial Assistance

Lots of money from the European Union goes to the AU to enhance peace and stability within the African nations, and most of the funds go through the European Development Fund (EDF) and the African Peace Facility (APF). These funds aid in crucial tasks, such as maintaining peace, executing government reforms, and constructing infrastructure in various African states to maintain stability within Africa. As a key part of the EU’s development cooperation policy, the EDF funds long-term projects in Africa to boost the economy and unite African citizens. The APF also provides a lot of money for AU-led peacekeeping operations, ensuring that African security forces have the tools to deal with conflicts successfully and, thus, ensure stability

[34]

The EU gives Africa money and helps in certain areas, like schooling and health, making people more resistant to climate change and ensuring regional stability

[39]

. The European and African Union also work on special projects to improve education, health care, and the environment; moreover, the AU and EU reaffirmed their plans to strengthen their partnership and find new areas where they can work together within the guidelines set by the Global Health Strategy and the New Public Health Order. Besides, the EU emphasizes the vital role that the health sector can play in preventing pandemics, boosting the economy, creating jobs, being ready for and responding to them, putting the One Health approach into action, especially to combat antimicrobial resistance, and protecting the environment for a generation of long-term growth. Aside from that, the EU helps AU organizations with their budgets, which lets them do their jobs well by minimizing corruption and ensuring stability within the regions.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) also helps to fund projects that make Africa’s economies more stable, build up its infrastructure, and boost the growth of its private sector. EU financial help entails limitations, like late payments, rules about who can get the money, and worries about becoming too dependent on EU funds; late payments and extended payment terms make it hard for the African states to get cash, and as a result, the African businesses can’t meet their financial responsibilities, like loan and payment terms

[12]

. Moreover, the AU does not need to acquire cash from outside sources; it just needs clear rules and long-term plans for handling its money. Furthermore, if Africa’s leaders set clear goals, monitor the continent’s finances, and make wise decisions, the continent can achieve financial stability and peace. EU funding is still significant for backing the AU’s work and promoting social and economic change across the continent, as the union gives the AU the big money it needs to carry out important projects in areas like building peace, improving infrastructure, education, health care, and good governance, which would be hard to do without outside help. The chart below shows the percentage of loans owned by various continents in 2017.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 1. EU and ODA loans by continent.

3.2. Peace and Security

Peace and safety have greatly improved in Africa thanks to the EU’s efforts, as they know that stability is essential for long-term growth; in Africa, the European Union (EU) funds and peacekeeping missions help resolve and stop conflicts; moreover, the missions and projects aid in building people’s skills through the African Peace Facility (APF). Moreover, AMISOM, the African Union Mission in Somalia, has been very helpful in fighting terrorism and making the region more stable, as the project showed how multilateral interventions can help weak states

[36]

, largely thanks to the EU’s financial and logistical support for peacekeeping missions. However, by providing financial assistance to the African Union, the EU maintains peace in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Sahel

[35]

As a result, the EU assists the AU by providing direct cash aid, training its forces, and advising them on how to deal with problems, thus encouraging regional development, as it helps the healthcare systems get better, helps small businesses by putting money into them, helps make things more equal between the regions, supports growth that lasts, and makes it easier for companies, goods, and investments to get into new areas. In addition, the EU and the AU work together to improve methods of preventing conflicts; this is so because, in close cooperation with its member states, the EU works to bring about stability and peace by preventing conflicts, mediating them, and building peace.

For example, the Early Warning System helps the AU find and deal with possible disputes before they worsen, encouraging unity among border states and preventing further conflict disruption. Besides, the EU also backs the African Standby Group (ASF), a quick-response peacekeeping group that makes it easier for Africa to deal with security threats independently

[40]

There are still issues; for example, the AU and EU don’t work together well enough, and logistics issues and concerns about the project’s long-term worth exist. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that Africa’s security system can work independently for a long time and that institutions work together better to get the most out of EU help for peace and security.

3.3. Economic and Trade Support

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Share of Trade development by EU member States.

The EU must have trade and business partnerships with other countries for Africa’s economic growth; the chance for economic development through trade and business is one of its best things. The EU is Africa’s biggest trade partner, and it helps a lot with financial integration, industrialization, and getting into new markets; thus, international economic integration could make an economy more productive by making it easier for the government to stick to its plans for the future. There is a more specific way that financial integration can change the dynamics of domestic investment in an economy: it can cause capital to be moved to more productive activities in reaction to changes in macroeconomic policies

[38]

. National governments sometimes feel tempted to tax physical capital in unfair ways. The thought of these kinds of policies tends to make people less likely to spend and slows down growth. The Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), which encourage trade between African areas and the EU, are among the most critical steps in this direction

[6]

. Besides, projects like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) show how trade between Africa and Europe can grow.

The EU also funds projects that make trade more manageable, like updating customs, transportation routes, and ports. The EU also helps the AU make trade policies and financial plans through the Pan-African Program, which funds economic government projects. As a result, countries can specialize in producing goods and services that best suit their needs by utilizing trade policies that facilitate this. It also enables buyers and sellers to get a more fantastic range of goods at lower prices. Also, the EU helps African countries with technical issues to follow global trade rules and do well in international markets

[25]

. With the help of these economic aid programs from the EU, Africa is now seen to be more competitive even though it still possesses some adverse impacts like making it challenging to carry out business activities, trade imbalances, and a heavy base on selling raw materials, thanks to these economic aid programs

[6]

. Besides, the AU can also enhance the region’s value and boost trade within Africa by investing more funds in these areas; all these help the AU reach its long-term goal of making Africa economically independent. The graph below indicates the share of trade development in the EU from 2007 to 2017 as a percentage.

4. Governance and Institutional Support

The EU is crucial for helping the AU with its government and institutional growth; Europe is putting money into the Africa Transition Index because it sees promise in Africa. Therefore, this partnership gives African countries the tools to handle complex changes, build strong institutions, and find ways for everyone to benefit from growth.

Moreover, the EU strengthens Africa’s political structures, improves democratic processes, and pushes for openness by giving money, technical help, and programs that build people’s skills, help create public institutions, boost state machinery, improve the structures and workings of African Union regional groups, and make way for human progress. The EU provides a lot of money to programs like the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance (ACDEG) to make sure that political rules are followed all over Africa and the rule of law is upheld

[23]

. The EU also supports AU bodies such as the Pan-African Parliament, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. These bodies promote democracy, human rights, and good governance in Africa, strengthen African institutions, and give African citizens the tools they need to hold their governments accountable. Nevertheless, they make collaborating on essential issues easier for the AU and EU

[16]

. Moreover, the AU relies on these groups to safeguard individuals’ rights, adhere to regulations, and oversee effective governance. Nonetheless, these groups accomplish this by monitoring leaders, raising awareness of human rights violations, advocating for democratic values, and fostering a more transparent and accountable governance system throughout the continent.

On the other hand, corruption, political meddling, and weak institutions make it harder for the government to rule and provide goods and services. Rose-Ackerman

[28]

also says that cheating makes things more expensive because it makes them less efficient. For long-term success, it is still essential to help the AU with government programs and ensure that accountability processes are more substantial.

5. Contributions from AU Member States and Other International Bodies

The European Union is significant to the African Union because it funds and supports it; the EU’s backing for AU aligns with its larger goal of promoting Africa’s long-term growth. Moreover, the EU is helping to make Africa more resilient, prosperous, and safe by making it easier for African countries to handle changes with correct data. However, AU member states and other foreign groups also do a lot to help the AU carry out its missions by encouraging togetherness, safety, and economic growth all over Africa

[31]

. Even though AU member states pay for the organization’s budget, their contributions often aren’t enough to cover all its costs. Moreover, even with these problems, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have generally been some of the AU’s most significant donors of money, which has helped keep operational activities and regional programs going.

EU member states and international groups like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the UN give money to the AU.

These groups support global monetary cooperation, protect financial stability, make international trade easier, promote employment and long-term economic growth, and reduce poverty worldwide. For instance, the AU and the UN cooperate, thus upholding peace, resolving conflicts, and assisting individuals during emergencies

[4]

. Furthermore, the EU programs help African countries improve at building and keeping things together, enabling regional stability. Nonetheless, these programs get help from the World Bank and the IMF.

The AU also works on financial and strategic issues with China, the U.S., and other bilateral partners; that lets Africa use its combined strength to get better business deals, support development projects, manage tricky political situations, and speak up for its interests around the world. Nevertheless, every country seeks its interests while helping Africa reach its growth goals. Moreover, international partnerships like these help Africa get the money it needs to build facilities and improve trade between Africa and the rest of the world

[13]

. Besides, while these gifts are lovely, ensuring that Africa can take care of itself is still one of the most challenging things for the AU to do as it tries to achieve long-term sustainability and regional unity.

6. Key Terms

6.1. Foreign Aid

Foreign aid has been significant to Africa’s growth, especially in helping the African Union with its goals of economic unity, peace, security, and building up institutions’ abilities. Moreover, as one of Africa’s biggest donors, the EU helps the AU reach its goals by giving it money and advice. The EU assists in various areas such as health care, infrastructure, government, and peace; therefore, whenever big disasters or humanitarian emergencies occur, the EU helps Africa attain stability

[14]

. Moreover, this significantly affects the growth and safety of the region. Foreign aid can take various forms, including free resources, low-interest funds, skilled assistance, and budgetary support. Its purpose is to alleviate the impact of natural or artificial disasters such as war, famine, and disease; stimulate economic growth; assist in establishing or fortifying political institutions; and address various transnational issues such as disease, terrorism, other crimes, and environmental damage. The AU and its member states can use the money to work on meaningful projects without worrying about repaying the lenders. Moreover, low-interest loans also help the economy grow. Supporting the AU with technical help improves governance structures and helps people share knowledge, and helping with the budget makes it easier for the AU to handle its running costs

[1]

EU aid has made economic reforms, trade deals, and cooperation between countries in Africa a lot easier to achieve. The assistance helps build roads, energy projects, and internet connections necessary for growing trade and industry. Also, the EU helps fit with the AU’s Agenda 2063, which wants Africa to be prosperous and able to support itself

[17]

. The EU’s foreign aid limitations include the government getting in the way and wasting resources by the African administrative bodies. While foreign aid is essential, ensuring it lasts and helps Africa become self-sufficient should be a big part of plans for growth in the future.

6.2. African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental group of 55 countries that work to bring Africa together, integrate its economies, and grow sustainably. Moreover, the AU was created in 2001 to take over from the Organization of African Unity (OAU). To strive for stability, it is a key player in solving Africa’s problems, such as conflict settlement, economic stagnation, and government issues. Moreover, many specialized groups work together to make Agenda 2063 a reality, and these groups include the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)

[5]

. Moreover, the AU’s goals are extensive, including promoting human rights and democracy and boosting economic unity and growth by pushing for more unity and integration between African states and more participation from all citizens

[2]

. Even though some of its member states try to pay for its activities, the AU mostly depends on money from other countries, like the EU, to reach its goals. EU aid significantly impacts economic policies, governance programs, and peacekeeping missions, supporting the AU’s overall goal.

However, the AU’s reliance on foreign help has made people worry about how outsiders might affect decisions. Furthermore, funding helps the AU carry out important projects, but it also makes people wonder about Africa’s long-term ability to support itself financially. Furthermore, strengthening commerce inside Africa is critical because it will encourage member nations to pay more and establish long-term financial structures, reducing Africa’s reliance on aid and increasing its self-sufficiency

[9]

6.3. European Union

Twenty-seven European countries have joined to form the EU. They want to make the EU stronger and promote trade and growth. Therefore, the EU is a supranational body coordinating trade, security, human rights, and development aid programs, and the Maastricht Treaty of 1993, among other treaties, established the union

[41]

. The EU has an impact on places other than Europe. It has partnerships and cash aid programs for many areas, such as Africa.

The EU has helped Africa progress, primarily by working with the African Union. There are several ways that the EU assists Africa, including the European External Action Service (EEAS), the Africa-EU Partnership, and the EDF, whose goals are to support peace and security across the continent, encourage sustainable development, and strengthen regional integration

[33]

. The EU cares about Africa because it supports economic growth, government reforms, and the building of new facilities. The External Investment Plan and the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund are essential programs that help fund projects connecting people and trade more while upholding the stability of a nation

[7]

. However, in terms of politics, the EU actively assists in resolving conflicts and supports African governments in their efforts to maintain peace. People have different ideas about using the EU’s help in Africa and what might happen if they give too much. Overall, the EU’s role in Africa is still significant for the AU in reaching its long-term goals. It is vital to boost cooperation and ensure that aid fits Africa’s self-sufficiency goals to promote long-term growth and reduce dependence on outside sources.

6.4. Economic Integration

One of the main goals of the African Union is to make the continent’s economies work together so that they can support themselves. The European Union has been significant in helping Africa become more economically integrated by giving money, providing professional help, and offering ways to make trade easier. According to Oloruntoba

[26]

, one of the AU’s main goals is to eliminate trade hurdles and improve trade within Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

[3]

. The EU has helped ensure that AfCFTA works by providing programs to build people’s skills, cash for trade infrastructure, and policy advice.

The EU contributes to forming regional economic communities throughout Africa. The EU has increased trade through EPAs and opened new African goods and services markets. With these agreements, Africa and Europe may beneficially build their economies and facilitate interpersonal interactions

[19]

. Despite these advances, many African countries face persistent economic inequity, weak government, and a lack of industry, which weakens society, causes political division, and slows African economic growth. Moreover, even if EU assistance has made Africa’s economy more substantial, Africa must lead with initiatives focusing on innovation, industry, and commerce for integration to continue. Nevertheless, Africa still needs to strengthen its economic independence and make the most of strategic alliances in order to be prosperous in the long run

[32]

6.5. Peace and Security

Peace and safety are necessary to keep things steady, grow, and move forward within and between countries. Besides, the EU incorporates various approaches to maintain peace, prevent conflicts, and resolve disagreements. In addition, the European Union prioritizes maintaining peace in African countries through diplomatic discussions, military operations, and governmental reforms

[18]

. Moreover, the AU also works to support peace and safety on the continent, which has a long history of war, terrorism, and governments that don’t work. Moreover, according to Minko

[20]

, the AU’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) seeks to protect people in the long run by preventing conflicts, promoting peace, and rebuilding after wars. The European Union is vital in the African Union’s peacekeeping and security strategy. Furthermore, the EU gives the AU money, helps with logistics, and runs programs that teach people new skills.

Nevertheless, EU foreign aid supports peacekeeping operations, bolsters local security institutions, and enhances anti-terrorism measures. Nonetheless, the EU has benefited the African Peace Facility (APF), allowing the AU to do many things to support peace, such as AMISOM and the G5 Sahel Joint Force

[35]

. However, the EU also sends security personnel to Africa and trains them to perform their duties and keep the world safe and peaceful; despite its security goals, the AU requires assistance from outside sources. Furthermore, it’s also true that countries like the U.S., China, the AU’s member states, and the UN contribute financial and other help. To keep going, improve safety, and handle new risks like insurgencies and international crimes, the AU needs help from outside the group. Moreover, this is because it lacks money and transportation. The AU and EU foreign aid cooperation shows how working together makes Africa safer. It also shows how vital foreign aid is to the AU’s peace and security goal

[27]

7. Challenges and Criticisms of EU Foreign Aid to the AU

Even though EU foreign aid to the AU is significant, many issues and complaints exist about its effectiveness and long-term effects. However, one big worry is the problem of dependence. Moreover, many critics say that constant foreign aid makes AU member states more dependent on outside funding instead of pushing them to build financial and institutional systems to support themselves

[30]

. Thus, this reliance on European help may impede Africa’s long-term economic and political independence goal. Furthermore, another big problem is that people who get EU help often have to follow the rules. Besides, they must change their leaders and economies before getting money from the EU. The EU also wants these changes to take place. Some of these factors could make it harder for African countries to be independent by forcing them to make choices against their long-term plans or internal goals. Therefore, these factors aim to promote democracy and effective governance.

Another big problem is that AU schools waste a lot of money and time on unnecessary paperwork and lousy management of aid funds. Moreover, corruption and a lack of accountability in spending money have raised concerns about the ability of the aid to meet its goals. Furthermore, misallocating funds often prolongs projects and EU-supported programs

[22]

. Geopolitical interests also affect the EU’s aid to other countries

[42]

. Moreover, critics argue that Europe’s strategic goals, rather than Africa’s economic needs, often determine aid allocation. Nevertheless, most of the time, the EU’s attention is on trade deals, political ties, and stopping migration, making people wonder how committed it is to Africa’s long-term growth. Therefore, to solve these issues, the groups need to make development projects more open, responsible, and owned by Africans. Improving governance, getting AU member states to contribute more money, and reducing reliance on aid are all critical steps that need to be taken to ensure that foreign aid helps Africa’s long-term growth without causing cyclical dependence.

8. Graphs, Charts, and Key Illustrations

The graph below shows how EU spending on the Common Agricultural Policy has changed. It shows how money has gone from supporting the market and giving export handouts to direct payments and improving rural areas.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 3. EU spending on the Common Agricultural Policy.

The chart below shows financial contributions, such as evaluated contributions and outstanding arrears for regular and peace budgets. It shows how committed people are to different funding streams at various levels.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 4. Financial contributions and outstanding arrears for regular and peace budgets.

The picture below shows a high-level meeting between the EU and AU. It represents diplomatic ties, strategic partnerships, and working together on government, economic growth, and peacekeeping issues

[15]

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 5. High-level meeting between the EU and AU.

9. Conclusion

EU aid to other countries significantly and intricately influences the execution of AU tasks. The groups must deal with problems of dependence, conditions, and transparency, even though it substantially affects economic growth, peace, and government. Also, as long as African institutions are strengthened and people are encouraged to be self-sufficient, foreign aid will remain a tool for growth and not a crutch for life.

Abbreviations

ACDEG	African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance
AfCFTA	African Continental Free Trade Area
AGA	African Governance Architecture
AMISOM	African Union Mission in Somalia
APC	African Peace Facility
ASF	African Standby Group
AU	African Union
DRC	Democratic Republic of the Congo
EDF	European Development Fund
EEAS	European External Action Service
EIB	European Investment Bank
EPAs	Economic Partnership Agreements
EU	European Union
IMF	International Monetary Fund
NEPAD	New Partnership for Africa’s Development
OAU	Organization of African Unity
PSC	Peace and Security Council
UN	United Nations

Author Contributions

Arakaza Dionise is the sole author. The author read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	Abhayawansa, S., Adams, C. A., & Neesham, C. (2021). Accountability and governance in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals: conceptualizing how governments create value. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 34(4), 923-945.
[2]	Aggad, F., & Apiko, P. (2017). Understanding the African Union and its Governance Agenda. European Centre for Development Policy Management.
[3]	Ajambo, E., & Emebinah, C. (2021). The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Africa Policy Journal, 15.
[4]	Ampomah, N. (2021). United Nations and African Union peace operations: The case of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
[5]	Aniche, E. T. (2023). African Continental Free Trade Area and African Union Agenda 2063: The roads to Addis Ababa and Kigali. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 41(4), 377-392.
[6]	Asche, H. (2021). Asche, H. (2021) explores the content of economic partnership agreements. The text titled ‘Regional integration, trade, and industry in Africa’ can be found on pages 211-257. Cham: Springer International Publishing.
[7]	Bilal, S., Keijzer, N., & Ahairwe, P. E. (2021). The article’s title is “Towards a Renewed Africa-Europe Partnership for Investment.” European Think Tanks Group, October.
[8]	Bøås, M. (2021). EU migration management in the Sahel: unintended consequences on the ground in Niger. Third World Quarterly, 42(1), 52-67.
[9]	Boateng, O. A. (2024). Boateng discusses Africa’s enduring struggle for humanitarian self-sufficiency. In Handbook on Humanitarianism and Inequality (pp. 443-457). Edward Elgar Publishing.
[10]	Carbone, M. (2011). The European Union and China’s rise in Africa: Competing visions, external coherence, and trilateral cooperation. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 29(2), 203–221. https://doi.org/10.1080/02589001.2011.555195
[11]	Challoumis, C. (2024, October). BOOSTING ECONOMIC GROWTH—CYCLE OF MONEY. In XVI International Scientific Conference (pp. 225-250).
[12]	Christie, R., Claeys, G., & Weil, P. (2021). Next Generation EU borrowing: a first assessment (No. 22/2021). Bruegel Policy Contribution.
[13]	Gilpin, S. I. (2023). China, Africa, and the international aid system: A challenge to (the norms underpinning) the neoliberal world order. Journal of Asian and African Studies, 58(3), 277-297.
[14]	Goniewicz, K., Khorram-Manesh, A., Burkle, F. M., Hertelendy, A. J., & Goniewicz, M. (2023). The article discusses the post-pandemic strategies of the European Union that focus on public health, economic recovery, and social resilience. Global Transitions, 5, 201-209.
[15]	Ighobor, K. (2022). EU-AU Summit 2022: The EU Wants to Be Africa’s Friend in Need and Indeed. UN Africa Renewal.
[16]	Jegede, A. O., & Adejonwo, O. (Eds.). (2023). Climate change justice and human rights: an African perspective. Pretoria University Law Press.
[17]	Lisinge, R. T. (2020). Road Initiative and The Belt and Africa’s regional infrastructure development: Implications and lessons. Transnational Corporations Review, 12(4), 425-438. https://doi.org/10.1080/19186444.2020.1795527
[18]	Mattheis, F., Deleglise, D., & Staeger, U. (2023). African Union: The African political integration process and its impact on EU-AU relations in foreign and security policy. Brussels: Directorate-General for External Policies, European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET).
[19]	McNair, D., Glennie, J., Damluji, H., Fakir, S., Foresti, M., Maunganidze, O. A.,... & Ngoga, F. (2024). Why Europe Needs Africa.
[20]	Minko, A. E. (2024). Intersections of Middle East crises and African stability: assessing the impact of regional conflicts on peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Political Science: Bulletin of Yerevan University, 3(3) (9).
[21]	Nachum, L., Stevens, C. E., Newenham-Kahindi, A., Lundan, S., Rose, E. L., & Wantchekon, L. (2022). Africa rising: Opportunities for advancing theory on people, institutions, and the nation-state in international business. Journal of International Business Studies, 1.
[22]	Nguyen Trinh, T. N. (2022). The Impact of EU Aid on the Trade Performance between the EU and Vietnam (Doctoral dissertation, Budapesti Corvinus Egyetem).
[23]	Nikodimos, M. K. (2020). The Role of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) in Promoting Democratic Governance in Africa: The Cases of Egypt-2013 and Burundi-2015.
[24]	NWOHU, J. U., IKWUOMA, S. U., & OYINLOYE, G. O. (2023). Military instrument for conflict resolution: A study of AU peacekeeping missions. International Journal of Social Science, Management, Peace and Conflict Research, 2(01), 031-049.
[25]	Nyirenda-Jere, T., Mangwende, T., Nimako, G., Gashami, J. P., Samatar, O. E., ATU, M. S., & Seck, M. (2022). African Union (AU) Data Policy Framework. Policy.
[26]	Oloruntoba, S. O. (2023). The study focuses on the political economy of the African Continental Free Trade Area and its impact on structural transformation in Africa. Journal of Contemporary African Studies, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/02589001.2023.2214715
[27]	Plank, F. (2022). Evaluating the Africa-EU Partnership on Peace and Security. Springer International Publishing AG.
[28]	Rose-Ackerman, S. (2024). The article discusses the relationship between corruption and the private sector. In Political Corruption (pp. 661-683). Routledge.
[29]	Schiel, R., Powell, J., & Daxecker, U. (2020). Peacekeeping Deployments and Mutinies in African Sending States. Foreign Policy Analysis, 16(3), 251–271. https://doi.org/10.1093/fpa/oraa011
[30]	Schuette, L., & Dijkstra, H. (2023). The show must continue: The EU’s quest to sustain multilateral institutions since 2016. JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 61(5), 1318-1336.
[31]	Sethole, F. R., & Rapanyane, M. B. (2021). The African Union-led contributions and challenges of African countries in resolving the Sudanese Darfur crisis: An Afrocentric perspective. Journal of African Union Studies, 10(1), 107.
[32]	Shelton, G. (2021). South Africa and China: A strategic partnership.
[33]	Sherriff, A. (2021). The EEAS: Navigating EU inter-institutional relations and Africa. European Foreign Affairs Review, 26(1).
[34]	Shiferaw, L. T. (2021). The article discusses the AU-UN peace and security partnership.
[35]	Strydom, H. (2019). Mali and the Sahel: Making Peace in Another Rough Neighborhood. Netherlands International Law Review, 66(1), 75–99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40802-019-00134-6
[36]	Tadesse, B. (2023). Countering Terrorism through Peace Support Operations: Lessons from the African Union Mission in Somalia. Journal of International Peacekeeping, 26(4), 350–367. https://doi.org/10.1163/18754112-26040005
[37]	Udeagha, M. C., & Ngepah, N. (2022). Dynamic ARDL simulations of how fiscal decentralization, green technology innovation, trade openness, and the quality of institutions affect the long-term health of the environment: examples from South Africa. Sustainability, 14(16), 10268.
[38]	Upadhayay, N. B. (2024). The Link Between Aid-for-Trade and Contingent Protection. Foreign Trade Review, 59(4), 455-500.
[39]	Van Daalen, K. R., Romanello, M., Rocklöv, J., Semenza, J. C., Tonne, C., Markandya, A.... & Lowe, R. (2022). The 2022 Europe report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change: towards a climate-resilient future. The Lancet Public Health, 7(11), e942-e965.
[40]	Van Nieuwkerk, A. (2021). The African Union plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and ensuring security. In Conflict Resolution and Global Justice (pp. 148-167). Routledge.
[41]	Wessels, W. (2016). The Maastricht Treaty and the European Council: the history of an institutional evolution. In The Maastricht Treaty: Second Thoughts after 20 Years (pp. 69-83). Routledge.
[42]	Zardo, F. (2022). The EU Trust Fund for Africa: Geopolitical space-making through migration policy instruments. Geopolitics, 27(2), 584-603.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Dionise, A. (2025). Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. American Journal of Applied Scientific Research, 11(2), 109-119. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Dionise, A. Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. Am. J. Appl. Sci. Res. 2025, 11(2), 109-119. doi: 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Dionise A. Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. Am J Appl Sci Res. 2025;11(2):109-119. doi: 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11,
  author = {Arakaza Dionise},
  title = {Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions},
  journal = {American Journal of Applied Scientific Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {109-119},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  abstract = {The European Union’s (EU) foreign aid has been significant to the African Union (AU) in undertaking its missions, especially regarding long-term growth, economic unity, and security and peace. Therefore, this article looks into the main ways that the EU helps the AU, rates how well they work, and rates how help from outside the AU adds to the work of member states. The study further shows the good and bad aspects of the partnership, using graphs to help people understand. The European Union has also been an essential growing partner for the African Union for a long time. Furthermore, by providing policy, technical, and financial help, the EU has helped Africa stay safe and grow. It also explores the EU’s involvement in African affairs, intending to maintain peace and strengthen the economy of the AU member states. Also, there is still a lot of disagreement about how long-term foreign aid might affect Africa’s ability to support itself. The EU, on the other hand, has done a lot to help Africa grow. Thus, this analysis is crucial to determining whether EU’s help will work long-term and fit Africa’s long-term goals by drawing which policies should be changed to make things work better and last longer and how much EU aid helps the AU meet its goals.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions
AU  - Arakaza Dionise
Y1  - 2025/03/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
T2  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
JF  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
JO  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
SP  - 109
EP  - 119
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2471-9730
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
AB  - The European Union’s (EU) foreign aid has been significant to the African Union (AU) in undertaking its missions, especially regarding long-term growth, economic unity, and security and peace. Therefore, this article looks into the main ways that the EU helps the AU, rates how well they work, and rates how help from outside the AU adds to the work of member states. The study further shows the good and bad aspects of the partnership, using graphs to help people understand. The European Union has also been an essential growing partner for the African Union for a long time. Furthermore, by providing policy, technical, and financial help, the EU has helped Africa stay safe and grow. It also explores the EU’s involvement in African affairs, intending to maintain peace and strengthen the economy of the AU member states. Also, there is still a lot of disagreement about how long-term foreign aid might affect Africa’s ability to support itself. The EU, on the other hand, has done a lot to help Africa grow. Thus, this analysis is crucial to determining whether EU’s help will work long-term and fit Africa’s long-term goals by drawing which policies should be changed to make things work better and last longer and how much EU aid helps the AU meet its goals.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Arakaza Dionise

Faculty of Political Science and Law, University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1040-7653

Download PDF

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Dionise, A. (2025). Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. American Journal of Applied Scientific Research, 11(2), 109-119. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Dionise, A. Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. Am. J. Appl. Sci. Res. 2025, 11(2), 109-119. doi: 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Dionise A. Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions. Am J Appl Sci Res. 2025;11(2):109-119. doi: 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11,
  author = {Arakaza Dionise},
  title = {Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions},
  journal = {American Journal of Applied Scientific Research},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {109-119},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajasr.20251102.11},
  abstract = {The European Union’s (EU) foreign aid has been significant to the African Union (AU) in undertaking its missions, especially regarding long-term growth, economic unity, and security and peace. Therefore, this article looks into the main ways that the EU helps the AU, rates how well they work, and rates how help from outside the AU adds to the work of member states. The study further shows the good and bad aspects of the partnership, using graphs to help people understand. The European Union has also been an essential growing partner for the African Union for a long time. Furthermore, by providing policy, technical, and financial help, the EU has helped Africa stay safe and grow. It also explores the EU’s involvement in African affairs, intending to maintain peace and strengthen the economy of the AU member states. Also, there is still a lot of disagreement about how long-term foreign aid might affect Africa’s ability to support itself. The EU, on the other hand, has done a lot to help Africa grow. Thus, this analysis is crucial to determining whether EU’s help will work long-term and fit Africa’s long-term goals by drawing which policies should be changed to make things work better and last longer and how much EU aid helps the AU meet its goals.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Influence of the European Union Aid in the Realization of the African Union Missions
AU  - Arakaza Dionise
Y1  - 2025/03/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
T2  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
JF  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
JO  - American Journal of Applied Scientific Research
SP  - 109
EP  - 119
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2471-9730
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajasr.20251102.11
AB  - The European Union’s (EU) foreign aid has been significant to the African Union (AU) in undertaking its missions, especially regarding long-term growth, economic unity, and security and peace. Therefore, this article looks into the main ways that the EU helps the AU, rates how well they work, and rates how help from outside the AU adds to the work of member states. The study further shows the good and bad aspects of the partnership, using graphs to help people understand. The European Union has also been an essential growing partner for the African Union for a long time. Furthermore, by providing policy, technical, and financial help, the EU has helped Africa stay safe and grow. It also explores the EU’s involvement in African affairs, intending to maintain peace and strengthen the economy of the AU member states. Also, there is still a lot of disagreement about how long-term foreign aid might affect Africa’s ability to support itself. The EU, on the other hand, has done a lot to help Africa grow. Thus, this analysis is crucial to determining whether EU’s help will work long-term and fit Africa’s long-term goals by drawing which policies should be changed to make things work better and last longer and how much EU aid helps the AU meet its goals.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download