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FEPS Newsletter 8 July 2026 – 🌍 African voices at the forefront of partnership talks

Building a genuine EU-Africa partnership – If you have problems displaying this email, follow this […]
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13/07/2026
Building a genuine EU-Africa partnership –

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Africa

Young African voices must be at the forefront of the discussion on EU-Africa relations. During the S&D Africa Days, progressives reaffirmed their commitment to just, balanced and mutually beneficial EU-Africa relations.
 

FEPS organised three fringe events exploring key issues from tax justice and the need to reform the international financial system to advancing a green and just industrialisation in EU-Africa relations. FEPS also hosted a talk show with Nigerian author Dipo Faloyin.
Live talk show with Dipo Faloyin

30 JUNE – FEPS HQ

Live talk show with Dipo Faloyin

By FEPS, with Foundation Max van der Stoel (FMS) and SOLIDAR as part of S&D Africa Days
 

In his book Africa Is Not a Country, Dipo Faloyin explores the controversial origin of the African states while rejecting defeatist narratives. Through a well-researched, witty and ultimately hopeful analysis, he offers a fresh perspective on Africa and its capacity to imagine and build a brighter future for the continent.

The author presented his book and had a lively conversations with the audience, joined by MEP Cecilia Strada.

30 JUNE – FEPS HQ – HYBRID

Tax justice and international financial reforms

By FEPS, in collaboration with FMS, SOLIDAR and The Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) as part of S&D Africa Days
 

Inequality is not inevitable, but the product of financial and economic systems that remain unequal, undemocratic and stacked against African countries.
 

This roundtable explored how closing tax loopholes, reducing illicit financial flows and other measures can enable more equitable and sustainable development across the continent. Udo Bullmann, S&D Coordinator for Africa Days, participated in this session.
Tax justice and international financial reforms
Shared responsibility in green industrialisation and climate justice

1 JULY – FEPS HQ – HYBRID

Shared responsibility in green industrialisation and climate justice

By FEPS, in collaboration with FMS, SOLIDAR and PACJA as part of S&D Africa Days
 

This roundtable explored how the green transition can serve as a catalyst for creating quality jobs, strengthening workers’ rights and protecting the environment in Africa.
 

Young people from Africa and the diaspora discussed green industrialisation and climate justice with African and European experts and policymakers, among which MEP Marit Maij.
Migration

On 12 June, the Pact on Migration and Asylum entered into force after a two-year implementation phase. Five days later, the European Parliament reached an agreement on the controversial ‘deportation bill’ – the infamous Return Regulation – which was considered as the missing piece of the migration legislation package. The approval by the assembly was reached thanks to the votes of the centre-right and ‘celebrated’ by racist chants of “Send them back!” by right-wing MEPs. This new regulation raises very profound concerns about the European Union’s willingness and capacity to uphold its core values – freedom, rule of law and human rights – and resist the xenophobic drift within its institutions. 

Letter to EPP Chair Manfred Weber on the Return Regulation

By Nicolas Schmit, FEPS President and former Spitzenkandidat
 

” (…) You are responsible for what happened on 16 June in the European Parliament in relation to the vote on the Return Regulation. 
Letter to EPP Chair Manfred Weber on the Return Regulation

This regulation violates essential principles of European law. It deprives people whose only ‘crime’ is being accused of irregularly staying in the EU of fundamental rights. (…) ” Read the full letter.

Photo credits: European Union 2026
PMG’s position paper on the Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034)

POSITION PAPER

Progressive Migration Group’s position paper on the MFF (2028-2034)

By Amanda Bisong
 

The position paper examines the budget allocation for the external dimension of migration in the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) proposals, particularly the Global Europe instrument.
 

The EU should engage with African partners to build genuine, fair partnerships based on development, legal mobility and mutual interests.

The position paper was produced by the Progressive Migration Group, which is a network of African and European experts led by FEPS, in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

PROGRESSIVE POST DOSSIER

Beyond implementation day

The Pact on Migration and Asylum
 

The Migration Pact implementation phase ended, leaving questions on member state readiness. Meanwhile, the Return Regulation approved by the EP raises human rights concerns.
Beyond implementation day

Photo credits: European Union, 2026
From compassion to crime

24 JUNE – FEPS HQ

From compassion to crime

📽️ Movie screening
 

What remains of our humanity if helping becomes a crime? FEPS screened the powerful documentary “From compassion to crime” by Dutch Director Stanzen Jelsma, which explores the stories of individuals who have faced, or are facing legal action for helping refugees across Europe. The movie screening was followed by a debate with MEPs Birgit Sipppel and Cecilia Strada. 
 

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