EU–South Africa
Delegation of the Democratic Alliance Visits Liberal Partners in Brussels and Berlin
Die Delegation der südafrikanischen Regierungspartei Democratic Alliance gemeinsam mit dem Vorstandsvorsitzenden der Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung, Prof. Karl-Heinz Paqué, vor dem Büro der Stiftung
© FNFFrom June 22 to 28, 2025, a high-ranking delegation from the South African governing party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), traveled to Brussels and Berlin at the invitation of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF). The purpose of the visit was to deepen exchanges with European institutions and liberal partners—especially on topics such as international cooperation, good governance, and a strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union.
In Brussels, the delegation met with, among others, MEP Jan-Christof Oetjen (FDP), representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Trade, the European External Action Service, and members of the liberal Renew Europe group in the European Parliament. They discussed issues of sustainable economic cooperation, energy partnerships, and South Africa’s role in multilateral forums such as BRICS, the G20, and EU–Africa cooperation.
Central highlights also included exchanges with European party representatives such as Georges-Louis Bouchez (MR, Belgium) and Didrik de Schaetzen (ALDE Party). A standout moment was the networking event “Liberal Afterwork,” where Ashor Sarupen, South Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister, contributed liberal perspectives from the Global South.
Die "Liberal Hour" mit Emma Powell, MP, Spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation, Democratic Alliance, Sarah Bernardy, Head of Division Policy Issues Sub- Saharan Africa, African Union, Southern Africa, Great Lakes Region, Federal Foreign Office und Johanna Hans, FNF Referatsleiterin Europa
© FNFOn the second leg of the trip in Berlin, the focus shifted to gaining insights into the German governmental system, liberal campaign strategies, and federal structures. The delegation held talks with Henning Höne, chair of the FDP parliamentary group in the state parliament; Dr. Matthias Roßbach, representative of North Rhine-Westphalia in the federal Bundesrat; and explored successful social media work by the party Die Linke. Discussions touched on managing strategic differences in international partnerships and the role of liberal democracies in global competition. In Berlin, the delegation also met with FNF Chairman Prof. Karl‑Heinz Paqué, CEO Annett Witte, and René Klaff, Head of International Affairs.
Die Delegation der südafrikanischen Regierungspartei Democratic Alliance gemeinsam mit FDP-Politiker Henning Höne und FNF-Hauptgeschäftsführerin Annett Witte.
© Henning HöneThe delegation’s visit underlines that cooperation with South Africa—this year’s G20 host—is more important than ever for Europe in order to strengthen global cooperation and sustainable development.