Policy Papers, nº. 3

Within the framework of a wider Atlantic space, Atlantic Africa represents a difficult and conflicted region characterised by a confluence of strategic interests derived from its natural resources (tropical wood, gas, oil, uranium, fish etc.) and its geographical location on one of the world’s busiest seaways. Yet, because of multiple security threats that weigh on its internal dynamics, the region appears particularly vulnerable and politically unstable. Aside from the security context, the countries’ uneven economic performance has contributed to
destabilising trends in the region as well. As a global actor wishing to ensure both its own security and international stability, the EU is particularly well equipped to intervene effectively in the region. However, the EU’s approach has for years lacked an overall strategy for its engagements in the region, instead being largely empirical and pragmatic in nature. The multiple dimensions of this relationship provide information on trends in the EU’s strategy towards the region and its reactions to threats that pass through the area, including
coordination with other stakeholders in the broader Atlantic area.