The AU and EU are holding their ninth joint security retreat in Addis Ababa.
African and European security councils meet in Addis Ababa to strengthen cooperation on emerging threats and longstanding security challenges.
AU-EU security talks in Addis Ababa are focusing on terrorism, maritime insecurity and artificial intelligence governance. The two blocs are seeking stronger joint responses to persistent and emerging threats across Africa.
The ninth annual joint retreat brings together the African Union Peace and Security Council and the European Union Political and Security Committee. It opened at the AU Commission headquarters in the Ethiopian capital.
AI governance joins AU-EU security talks agenda
Discussions cover four priorities: maritime security, terrorism and violent extremism, artificial intelligence governance, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda. These issues bring established security concerns and emerging technological challenges into the same forum.
The inclusion of AI governance reflects growing attention to technology’s implications for peace and security. In particular, delegates are considering its relationship with conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Meanwhile, maritime security and counterterrorism remain central concerns for both organisations as they address instability across the continent. Terrorism and violent extremism continue to affect parts of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and other regions.
Councils seek closer institutional cooperation
Ambassador Antonin B. Bieke, Côte d’Ivoire’s permanent representative to the AU, is co-chairing the retreat. He shares that role with Ambassador Lene Mandel Vensild, the EU Political and Security Committee’s permanent chair.
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye delivered opening remarks. Ireland’s representative to the EU committee, Ambassador Luke Feeney, also addressed the opening.
In a statement, the AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security described the engagement as a platform for strategic dialogue. It also highlighted the opportunity to deepen cooperation between the two institutions.
The AU council said the engagement reflects the blocs’ longstanding strategic partnership and shared commitment to coordinated security responses. Through the retreat, the councils aim to align priorities while strengthening ties between their respective security institutions.
