The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament welcome the signing today – ahead of the G20 Summit – of the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) and the Memorandum of Understanding on a strategic partnership on sustainable minerals and metals value chains between the European Union and South Africa.

South Africa stands out as a strategic partner for the EU, a diplomatic leader in the Global South, a key trading ally, and a country rich in critical raw materials essential for the green transition.

In a time of weakening multilateral cooperation, increased geopolitical tensions, and shifting trade dynamics, these agreements represent a crucial opportunity for the EU and Africa’s largest economy to work more closely together in the areas of sustainable development and minerals. They will create new trade and investment opportunities, help reduce strategic dependencies, and support decarbonisation and the just transition.

The signing comes after the South African and European Parliaments held a high-level inter-parliamentary meeting this month, under the leadership of Supra Mahumapelo and Udo Bullmann, during which they set out a roadmap for continued cooperation.(opens in a new tab) [1]

Udo Bullmann, chair of the European Parliament’s South Africa delegation, and INTA rapporteur for the Southern African Development Community (SADC), added:

"The world order is wavering: authoritarian forces are gaining influence, and systems of international cooperation are under pressure. Instead of uncertainty and a retreat into nationalism, the EU must play an active role in shaping sustainable partnerships with the Global South.

"The signing of the investment partnership and the agreement on minerals and metals with South Africa is an important step. I see a great deal of potential in these agreements: they are intended to promote fair and sustainable industrialisation, strengthen good working conditions and environmental standards, and align with South Africa’s development goals, such as a just energy transition. What we now need is a permanent regulatory dialogue to respond to the challenges of our time and shape the future of our regions together."

Kathleen van Brempt, S&D vice-president on international trade, said:

"The Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) with South Africa shows Europe's strategic commitment to shape a fairer and more sustainable global economy. In a world of shifting power balances, we choose cooperation grounded in shared values and mutual respect. By investing in clean technologies and strengthening local value chains, we reduce harmful dependencies while supporting South Africa’s own industrial development. That is how trade becomes a catalyst for innovation, fair jobs, and real economic resilience on both continents. This agreement shows the path forward: a partnership of equals that creates stability in an uncertain world and prepares our economies and our people for the future.

"Europe can no longer afford to be naïve about its vulnerabilities, or cynical about the need for genuine and mutually beneficial partnerships. By diversifying supply chains and expanding industrial capacity with trusted allies, we reinforce our strategic autonomy without closing ourselves off from the world. Global leadership is earned through the partnerships we build. Now we must turn that potential into practice. From the Parliament, we stand ready to play our part and ensure that this agreement delivers on its promise of fair, equal and clean trade that works for the people and the planet."

Note to editors:

On occasion of the G20 Summit of the world’s leading industrialised and emerging economies from 22 to 23 November, Udo Bullmann will travel to Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 November.

This month, the Parliaments of South Africa and the European Union held a high-level inter-parliamentary meeting, under the leadership of Supra Mahumapelo and Udo Bullmann, during which they set out a roadmap for their continued cooperation in a joint statement(opens in a new tab) [1].