A roundtable onresponding to new policy realities - opportunities for climate cooperation with Africa, will be organised in Brussels on 14 October.

Historically, the European Union has been at the forefront of action to combat climate change – both politically, in promoting global dialogue, and strategically in introducing reforms to reduce its carbon footprint. The case for deeper dialogue and reflection with Africa - since its population is at most risk from climate change - has been continually emphasized in the international arena. The debate at the 2010 EU-Africa Summit underlined that the dialogue needed to go beyond development to touch upon issues of mutual interest on the international stage, including climate change.

In this period running up to UN conference on climate change in Durban (COP17/CMP7), the roundtable presents an opportunity to examine Africa's position in the global debate, the relevance of EU relations with Africa and its response to the issues in the African context. The reflection will engage some 200 African and European participants in the climate debate, from government, international institutions, academia and civil society.

The round-table will revolve around two themes: the global issues which condition the EU-Africa relationship; and the EU and Africa agendas in response to climate change.

More information on this topic can be found in the related documents:

• Stepping up international climate finance: A European blueprint for the Copenhagen deal
• International climate policy post-Copenhagen: Acting now to reinvigorate global action on climate change
• European Union fast start funding for developing countries 2010 progress report
• EU Fast Start Finance report for Cancun - Addendum
• EU Fast start finance Report for Cancun - Council Conclusions
• EU Climate financing aid - clarification