The Egmont Institute is pleased to invite you to a Research Talk on 15 December 2025 with Dr. Ueli Staeger, Assistant Professor at the University of Amsterdam.

Dr. Staeger brings extensive expertise in international relations and security, with a particular focus on African multilateralism and regional security dynamics.

Driven by its ambition to play a geopolitical role, the EU is embracing a more militarised foreign policy. With alternative security solutions emerging, the established collective approach is under strain: African agency, the capacity to shape outcomes in Africa’s interest, is shifting away from organisations such as the African Union. Through the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU now finances lethal weapons, training, and bilateral deployments, focusing on support to national armed forces. This talk explores how the EPF’s decision-making affects African agency in international security, insisting on the long-term implications of sidelining the African Union and its decolonial aspirations.

The working language will be English and the meeting will be held under Chatham House rule.

Please note that this is an in-person event.

Please register by 10 December.

(Photo credit: Canva teams)