Johannesburg, South Africa – In the intricate tapestry of EU-Africa relations, parliamentary diplomacy plays a crucial role, and a leading figure in this arena is Mr. Udo Bullmann. As a German Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 1999 and the current Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with South Africa, Bullmann brings decades of experience and a strong commitment to fostering a more equitable and impactful partnership between the two continents.
Affiliated with the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Bullmann’s parliamentary career is marked by a consistent focus on economic, social, and development policies. His nearly two decades on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, coupled with his leadership of the S&D Group in the European Parliament from 2018 to 2019, underscore his deep understanding of European and global economic dynamics. Beyond economics, his engagement in international trade and human rights policy, including his past role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, highlights his comprehensive approach to international relations.
Bullmann’s academic background, holding a PhD in Political Science from the University of Giessen where he also taught as a Jean Monnet Professor for European Studies, provides a robust theoretical foundation for his practical parliamentary work. His research at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland further broadened his perspective on European integration and its global implications.
Shaping the Parliamentary Dimension of EU-Africa Relations
As Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with South Africa, Udo Bullmann is at the forefront of strengthening the EU’s strategic partnership with this key African nation. His role is vital in fostering dialogue and cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, democratic governance, and broader global collaboration.
While the large-scale 3rd EU-African SME Summit in Johannesburg (June 19-21, 2025) has recently concluded, and significant Ministerial Meetings (May and June 2025) have taken place, these events are integral parts of an ongoing, multi-layered engagement between the EU and Africa. Mr. Bullmann’s participation in and oversight of these processes are crucial. As a prominent voice from the European Parliament, he ensures that the legislative arm of the EU is actively involved in shaping the direction of this partnership.
His presence at events like the SME Summit underscores the parliamentary commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, recognizing their pivotal role in economic development and job creation across both continents. In his capacity, he advocates for policies that facilitate trade, investment, and knowledge transfer, aiming to create an environment where businesses, particularly SMEs, can thrive.
Looking ahead, as preparations intensify for the 7th AU-EU Summit, scheduled for later in 2025 in Africa, Bullmann’s leadership will be critical. He will continue to push for a partnership that moves beyond traditional aid models towards one based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and common interests. This includes advocating for greater parliamentary oversight of EU-Africa policies, promoting human rights and democratic values, and ensuring that the Global Gateway strategy delivers tangible benefits for African citizens. His consistent emphasis on social equality and resilient societies, as reflected in his past statements, will continue to guide his contributions to the evolving EU-Africa agenda.
Through his extensive experience, deep policy knowledge, and dedicated focus on development and human rights, Udo Bullmann stands as a formidable champion for a more robust, equitable, and sustainable EU-Africa partnership, ensuring that the voice of the European Parliament is heard clearly in this vital geopolitical relationship.
