BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – The European Union (EU) has reiterated it’s call for global peace and it’s continued advocacy.
Leader of EU legislators and Co-President of the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly Hilda Vautmans made the call to maintain global peace during the official opening of the OACPS-EU 1st Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly at Ezulwini Palazzo, International Convention Centre on May 12, 2026.
She said at this moment in history, the were called not only to cooperate, but to show faith, courage, and renewed solidarity between Europe and Africa.
Move Together Forward
The president highlighted that they needed both a lighthouse and a home. She said they had gathered under the spirit of partnership, but also under something greater: the belief that nations, peoples, and governments are stronger when they move forward together.
“This Assembly remains one of the most powerful expressions of the parliamentary connection between our two continents. It is not only a forum for dialogue; it is a bridge between peoples, generations, and our shared destiny,” she said.
While many international partnerships have weakened or disappeared over recent decades, Valutmans said, the Africa–EU partnership has endured, evolved, and remained resilient. From the Cotonou to Samoa Agreement. She said the partnership has demonstrated its ability to adapt, to persevere, and to inspire hope.
Increasingly Infragmented World
“At a time when global uncertainty is growing and the foundations of multilateral cooperation are increasingly tested, the responsibility upon all of us is even greater. This is not a moment for hesitation. It is a moment for leadership — leadership with the courage to act together, leadership that continues to teach, and leadership with the ambition to shape a future that is inclusive, resilient, and real. We need leadership capable of disruptive thinking, cooperation, diversity, and opportunity in an increasingly fragmented world,” she said.
The president added that they did not need to choose separation. Europe and Africa were neighbours across a shared sea and a shared history. She made an example that her father taught her many important things, but above all he taught her to never argue with your neighbours unless you are prepared to change your address.
She said a good neighbor does not wait for the storm before strengthening the foundations of the house. A good neighbour builds together, protects together, and grows together. That, she said was the true value of the Africa–Europe partnership.
The president was reminded of a beautiful reflection about music: when black keys and white keys play together, they create the most beautiful melodies. She said Europe and Africa must do the same. They must play together to create songs that touch the hearts of their citizens.
Unity, Opportunity And Peace
“We need one another — not because of convenience, not because of obligation, but because together we can inspire unity, opportunity, and peace. We all entered public service because we wanted to shape a better future for our children,” she said.
Together, Valutmans said they must face migration with humanity and responsibility. Together, they we must confront global inequality and conflict. Together, they must ensure that justice is not reserved only for the powerful.
“Our citizens expect more from us than declarations. They expect leadership, vision, and action. We must have the courage to invest in our common future. For me, the driving forces in life have always been hope and optimism. Hope and optimism guide us toward a better future.”
They Will Build New Worlds
Vautmans said the next generation will not simply inherit the world left behind. They will build new worlds — driven by technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. Young people will shape their own future. Their responsibility is to ensure they inherit not wars and division, but hope and optimism. That is why she noted that the discussions in this Assembly mattered.
She noted the crisis affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo reminded them that instability in one region ultimately affects them all. The moment, she said, called for coordination, unity of purpose, and multilateral action.
“We cannot choose where we are born, or the circumstances into which we arrive. I was born in a country at peace. My husband was born in a country at war. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, my husband said to me: “We are about to give our daughter the most beautiful gift — she will be born into a loving family and into a country at peace.” Those words stayed with me, and they continue to give me courage,” she said.
Europe Model Of Friendship To World
Vautmans added that the dream was of a future where cooperation between Africa and Europe becomes a model of friendship for the world. A future where governments are measured not only by votes, but by the dignity and well-being of human beings. A future where no young person is exploited for violence.
In the coming days, she said, they must work together because only through work can they build a better world. The choices before them, she said, were too important to postpone and too consequential to get wrong.
“If Africa and Europe do not shape the future together, others will shape it for us. Our proximity, our partnership, our shared interests, and our shared history bind us together. History will not remember the number of meetings we held. It will remember the courage of the decisions we took.”
Strong Future Together
The legislator highlighted that future generations will remember whether, in this moment of uncertainty, they chose to retreat behind their borders or instead chose to build a stronger future together.
“As one wise voice once said: what matters in life is not merely that we exist, but what we contribute to the future. As the founding fathers of Europe warned, peace cannot be safeguarded without creative efforts proportionate to the dangers that threaten it,” said Vautmans.
Today, she said, those creative efforts must be undertaken together. That is the historic responsibility before both Africa and Europe today.
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