Overview
- South Africa welcomed an EU investment package worth €11.5 billion targeting critical minerals, e-battery value chains, green hydrogen, renewable energy, vaccines, and upgrades to rail, road, ports, logistics, and digital connectivity.
- Ursula von der Leyen said Global Gateway has mobilised more than €306 billion since 2021 for projects spanning clean energy, transport, and research.
- About a dozen Global South leaders attended the forum, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Angola’s João Lourenço, while most EU heads of government did not participate.
- The European Parliament scheduled two no-confidence votes on von der Leyen’s leadership later Thursday in Strasbourg.
- Supporters highlight jobs and a greener transition, while NGOs warn the model can be extractive and debt-heavy as Brussels showcases flagship projects such as the Lobito corridor railway and planned Mediterranean submarine cables.