The Europe – Central Africa Network (EurAc), created in 2003, aims to support the Great Lakes region build a better future. EurAc carries out advocacy work for a strong, coherent and sustainable engagement by the European Union and its Member States integrated into a regional approach.
At present, EurAc gathers 33 European civil society organisations that work on and in the region and that support local civil society in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in promoting peace and development, and in defending human rights.
30/05/2024 - Policy Brief - (FR)
DRC, European Union, Rwanda; Natural Resources
The announcement by the European Union (EU) of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strategic minerals with Rwanda on 19 February triggered a wave of indignation within Congolese and European civil society. At a time when the countries of the Great Lakes region are facing a series of security threats that are jeopardising the future of the region's populations, the EU has been singled out for the ambiguity and contradictions of its political choices, further undermining its credibility with its partners and the Congolese people.
26/03/2024 - Policy Brief - (FR)
DRC, European Union; Peace & Security
Resolving a potentially devastating conflict and establishing lasting peace in Eastern DRC is a priority, both for the new Congolese government and for the international community. Given the urgency of the situation, the members of EurAc are calling on the EU and its Member States to set their sights on preventing the situation from collapsing.
07/03/2024 - Open Letter - (FR)
DRC, European Union; Inclusive political participation & Human Rights
While the European Union (EU) and its Member States state in their renewed strategy for the Great Lakes that "the security, stability and prosperity of the countries of the Great Lakes region remain a strategic priority for the EU", 17 European civil society organisations and platforms, including EurAc, are expressing their deep concern at the escalation of violence and the worsening humanitarian situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They also question the inconsistent response of the EU and its Member States in the region.