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ESN MEP Petr Bystron calls for expanding economic relations with Africa instead of ideologized paternalism

ESN Group Press Office · 1 min read
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Petr Bystron, a member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, advocated at the African Ambassadors Economic Forum in Washington for a strategic reorientation of European foreign and development policy toward African states.

Bystron, an ESN Group MEP, explained:

“We are witnessing the final phase of the unipolar world order, and Africa is at the center of the new, multipolar world order. I clearly oppose ideological interference by the EU and Western non-governmental organizations.

Africa should be free to decide with which partners it wants to cooperate in the future. The previous concepts of development aid are patronizing and inefficient. Instead, the EU should focus on deepening economic cooperation.

As an alternative model, I point to that of the BRICS states. This offers an alternative to the financing by Western institutions, which is often tied to political conditions.

The centralization of power without democratic control and the excessive expansion of the budget, as pursued by the European Union and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is highly controversial in Europe and must not serve as a model for Africa.

In summary, I underline my party’s position: The AfD stands for bilateral agreements without ideological preconditions. Africa is a rich continent with great potential. The countries of Africa deserve respect, not paternalism.”