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Members of the European Parliment visited Africa yesterday in an attempt to expand and export its "prosperous open-border model".

During the meeting, European Parliamentarians held talks with their Pan African counterparts in Midrand, South Africa.

In a shock development, the African Union (AU) agreed plans to introduce a single passport modelled on the EU's Schengen area, which permits free movement of people.

The deal will see the European project, which has come under growing domestic criticism, become a global initiative.

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Sceptics argue that this deal would encourage militant groups such as Boko Haram and exacerbate public health crises.

Powers in Brussels have long tried to spread its borderless model beyond the European continent.

The Schengen zone has abolished internal borders to enable passport-free movement across the EU bloc.

AU leaders announced that, with the help of the EU, they plan on turning the continent into one of "seamless borders".

They want to abolish the need for Africans visiting African countries to require a visa by 2018, as well as agree on a free trade deal across the continent.

Michael Gahler, a German politician and member of the European Parliament, told SABC: "We have experience of working together, trading together, making policies together.

"Having open borders has brought us prosperity and jobs. We will try to encourage and push Africa to act together."

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Open borders has brought the EU prosperity and jobs

Michael Gahler

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini added: "Every obstacle we may face is a common challenge, and Africa's hope is our hope.

"A strong Africa matters to Europe; our friendship matters to our people.

"Only by joining forces and working in partnership can we provide our youth with a more hopeful and peaceful future.

"Today, we don't simply look at what we can do for Africa but what we can do with Africa, together."

SABC

An AU spokesman told SABC: "The specific aim of the passport is facilitating free movement of persons, goods and services around the continent in order to foster intra-Africa trade, integration and socio-economic development."

Chairperson of the AU, Dr Nkosazana Dlaimini Zuma, said the innovation was a steady step toward the objective of creating a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa, driven by its own citizens.

Dr Zuma added: "It is up to all of us to hold our countries to that decision so that indeed Africans can move freely among other African countries."

Originally posted here:
Brussels tries to export European Union's open-border model to Africa - Express.co.uk