The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea: a multi-actor perspective

The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea is a region increasingly interconnected, where its two coastlines form a unique geopolitical space with growing global repercussions in the domains of onshore and offshore security, global trade, migration, and political competition. At the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, its importance for European and Asian interests is undeniable for trade, access to resources, the presence of critical infrastructure, and maritime security. For this reason, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa is a crowded region in which external actors seek to gain influence.

On 26 June 2024, the EUISS and the Africa Working Party of the Council of the EU (COAFR) held a new session of the EUISS-COAFR meetings. They discussed the EU’s aspirations and role in the region amid competiting influences, and how to better shape and coordinate EU policies and actions.

Dr. Federico Donelli of the University of Trieste, and Mr David Korpela, Cabinet chief of the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, gave introductory remarks.

The EUISS-COAFR meetings are moderated by Senior Analyst Rossella Marangio.