Libreville hosts key EU-Gabon dialogue on reforms and cooperation

Gabon and the European Union held a partnership dialogue session in Libreville, co-chaired by Hermann Immongault, vice-president of the Gabonese government, and Cécile Abadie, EU ambassador to Gabon. Discussions covered political reforms, economic outlook, the environment, and regional and multilateral issues. The meeting featured the EU’s call to build a partnership increasingly rooted in consultation, investment, and multilateralism.

Co-chaired by Hermann Immongault and Cécile Abadie, the session brought together several government officials and ambassadors from EU member states accredited to Gabon. Talks focused on the country’s economic situation, business climate, the Global Gateway strategy, forest cooperation, sustainable fishing, maritime security, and regional and international matters.

In her remarks, the EU ambassador stressed the need to adapt Africa-Europe relations to an increasingly competitive global context. “Today’s world is marked by more transactional relations and sometimes aggressive competition. We must adapt our cooperation tools to this context,” she said. Cécile Abadie also advocated for a partnership grounded in “mutual interests,” while reaffirming the EU’s commitment to peace, security, good governance, and respect for human rights.

Referring to the new political chapter opening in Gabon after the transition, the EU diplomat called for long-term cooperation. “This dialogue is an opportunity to ensure mutual understanding, chart a roadmap with common objectives, and energise our way of working,” she emphasised. She also urged more consultation, data exchange, and shared analyses to build a common vision of future priorities.

This dialogue takes place against a backdrop of strengthening ties between Gabon and the EU since the Gabonese president’s visit to Brussels in November 2024 and his participation in the EU-AU summit in 2025.

Discussions also covered several international crises, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and security challenges on the African continent. At the end of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue exchanges on jointly identified priorities and to establish operational follow-up for cooperation projects.