ABSTRACT
The environment and climate have become increasingly central to European Union (EU)-African relations. This chapter examines the rise of Africa as an increasingly vocal green actor by identifying which environmental and/or climate change policies form the priorities of the African Union (AU) and comparing them to those promoted by the EU, especially via the Joint Africa-EU Strategy. It critically examines how the current approaches reflect a broader power imbalance within African-EU relations by highlighting how the rules that frame the relationship reflect those of the EU. The chapter highlights the crucial roles played by both the EU member states and the relevant Directorate-Generals within the Commission and contrast them to key actors within the AU and its member states. It concludes by examining the opportunities offered by new actors in Africa and the impact this will have on the EU.
