The European Union (EU) has pledged full support for South Africa’s presidency of the G20, despite tensions with the United States, which has threatened to halt foreign aid to the country. However, EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas has acknowledged that the EU cannot replace the US if it follows through on its decision to withdraw aid, especially in critical sectors like the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Kallas, also the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, addressed the matter during the EU-South Africa ministerial political dialogue in Cape Town on Wednesday. She stressed the importance of collaboration between South Africa and the EU, particularly in a time of global instability.
Despite the EU’s commitment to supporting South Africa’s ambitious G20 agenda, Kallas admitted the EU could not fill the gap left by the US, particularly in terms of funding for key programs. The US has been a significant contributor to South Africa’s foreign aid, and any reduction could have a major impact on critical sectors.
Kallas expressed concern over the US’s stance, which has been influenced by disagreements over South Africa’s land expropriation laws and its position on Israel’s actions in Gaza. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently announced he would skip the G20 summit, citing South Africa’s political decisions.
Kallas also discussed the EU’s response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She emphasized that peace talks with Russia cannot succeed without the participation of both Ukraine and Europe. She warned that Russia’s military actions pose a significant threat to Europe’s security and called for the EU to strengthen its defense capabilities in response.
On the issue of international law, Kallas addressed South Africa’s neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While South Africa supports the UN Charter’s principles, it has refrained from condemning Russia. Kallas, drawing from her own experiences in Estonia under Soviet occupation, expressed concern about the global consequences of failing to hold Russia accountable.
In addition to these geopolitical issues, Kallas touched on the EU’s environmental policies, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which has faced criticism from South Africa. The EU is actively engaging with its international partners to address the external impacts of such policies and ensure fair implementation.
Kallas also emphasized the importance of enhancing EU-South Africa relations in areas like critical minerals, as both parties stand to benefit from increased collaboration. The EU is keen to support South Africa in developing these minerals, which are essential for green energy and high-tech industries.
