The EU Green Deal and Renewable Energy Transitions in Europe–Africa Relations

Abstract

Abstract The EU Green Deal (EGD) and renewable energy transitions in Europe–Africa relations represent a transformative shift from historical patterns of colonialism and an unequal trade partnership. Historically, these continents have been divided by exploitative economic arrangements, but the EGD aims to bridge these divides by fostering co-ownership and co-creation of renewable energy technologies. This approach aligns the EGD with Africa’s developmental goals, emphasizing solidarity and mutual benefits in renewable energy sectors, unlike other mineral resource exploitations, which have often been marked by extractivism and market volatility. Renewable energy, compared to traditional mineral resources, offers both continents an opportunity to engage in efficient, reliable, and low-carbon energy initiatives that are less susceptible to global market shocks, thereby providing a stable basis for collaboration. However, the evolving dynamics of this cooperation are increasingly challenged by the rise of far-right political groups within the EU, which perceive green policies as contrary to economic progress. The influence of these groups could undermine the stability and focus necessary to maintain and expand green initiatives. This article, drawing on a multi-stage qualitative analysis, including reviews and Delphi surveys with policy-makers and experts, explores these issues deeply. The findings advocate for the EGD alignment with Africa’s needs for industrialization and energy security, proposing that only through such integrated and equitable approaches can a true partnership of equals be realized, mitigating the historical imbalances and setting a precedent for future intercontinental collaborations.