Description: European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town to discuss future strategic ties. The meeting comes after President Trump’s tariff policy sidelined and marginalized US relations with both Europe and South Africa. Europe imposed counter retaliatory tariffs on US goods while South Africa was singled out by the Trump administration as the US President cut funding for key projects in the country over allegations for human rights violations and terrorist organizations funding. Europe’s representatives are expected to reiterate their support to South Africa on key strategic projects such as infrastructure development, green energy projects and healthcare.
Impact: The meeting highlights the beginning of Europe’s geostrategic reorientation as they enhance their support and cooperation with countries and regions suffering the impacts of US tariff policies. South Africa is the largest European partner from the continent and would aim at reinforcing its partnership with crucial strategic allies and countries. Within the development of the novel multipolar world catalyzed by the dissolution of transatlantic relations between Europe and the US and US’ posturing and aligning with Russia, the EU would aim at broadening their strategic partnership portfolio and bolstering cooperation on key issues such as economy, defense and multilateral diplomacy.