REPAIR Lecture — African Union Reparations Agenda and EU–AU Relations

The reparations debate is rooted in the historical legacies of the transatlantic slave trade, colonial rule, and the exploitation of African peoples and resources, which contributed to enduring inequalities between Africa and Europe. Since independence, African states and continental institutions have increasingly called for recognition of these injustices and meaningful measures to address their consequences. The African Union has strengthened this agenda through its emphasis on reparatory justice, historical redress, and the recovery of African cultural heritage, including its designation of 2025 as the Year of Reparations. Within EU–AU relations, the agenda raises important questions about historical responsibility, restitution, development, and the need to build a partnership grounded in mutual respect, accountability, and shared commitments to justice.