G20 grants African Union equal membership status to EU: Bloomberg

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Bloomberg
7 Sep 2023 12:46
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This transition would elevate the African Union, comprising 55 member states, to an equivalent standing as the EU.

A man seen walking past a G20 logo in New Delhi, India (AFP)

Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing sources, that the G20 coalition of countries has reached a decision to provide permanent membership status to the African Union.

This transition would elevate the African Union, comprising 55 member states, to an equivalent standing as the EU, replacing its current categorization as an "invited international organization."

In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned letters to the leaders of G20 member nations, suggesting that the African Union be granted full, enduring membership within the assembly during the forthcoming summit in India's capital.

Presently, the G20 consists of 19 countries, in addition to the EU.

This year, the G20 has extended invitations to nine non-member nations, which include Bangladesh, Singapore, Spain, and Nigeria.

In addition to these countries, various international organizations, including the UN, WHO, World Bank, and IMF, have also been invited to participate in the weekend summit in New Delhi.

The report by Bloomberg suggests that the formal announcement of this decision by G20 leaders is anticipated during the summit.

Nations such as Germany, Brazil, and Canada have additionally voiced their endorsement of African Union membership within the G20.

The G20, also known as the Group of 20, serves as an intergovernmental forum comprising the most significant economies worldwide, encompassing both developed and developing nations.

Its member countries collectively account for approximately 85% of global GDP, more than 75% of worldwide trade, and approximately two-thirds of the global population.