This event summary, compiled by Kelly Hawkes for U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) Public Affairs, is intended to help describe policy discussions that may affect security policy in Africa. These informal observations and notes are intended to help the reader understand the tone of the event and content of the discussion. They do not reflect the official views of U.S. Africa Command, nor do they provide an official public record of the event. At a Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars event, Dr. Nick Westcott of the European Union (EU) discussed the critical relationship between the EU and African nations, April 8, 2011. Westcott was recently appointed on February 1, 2011 to the newly established position of managing director for Africa in the European External Action Service (EEAS), a department designed to serve as a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps within the European Union. The discussion emphasized the importance of building on the existing relationship that the EU shares with many African nations to bring peace and encourage economic prosperity within the continent. Westcott described EU partnerships with African countries as congenial, and suggested "the countries often feel a strong sense of ownership over the EU sponsored programs…it has been a very fruitful relationship." Furthermore, he brought to light how strengthening a relationship with the African Union (AU) can help countries with challenging situations, such as Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. "The EU and AU can both bring important ingredients to solve this issue and provide collaborative humanitarian support; the EU needs to work with the AU to achieve a solution to end these situations," Westcott said. Westcott also discussed issues between the EU and African countries forming Multilateral/Bilateral Trade Agreements. Over recent years, these agreements have become very controversial in the international community because they create a privileged trading relationship that has asymmetric benefits. On the other hand, these relationships are vital to developing economies in Africa because it is essential for creating economies of scale for private sector growth and investment in the market. In addition, Westcott suggested using non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as political accountability monitors in developing nations. The EU and other large foreign assistance contributors in Africa are concerned with improper use of development assistance by government officials. He favored good governance and democratic forms of government because they typically offer greater accountability than authoritarian regimes. However, to mitigate these concerns NGOs can play a vital role by working with governments to ensure that funding is properly allocated. In closing, Dr. Westcott stated "partnerships are critical" to providing development assistance in Africa and political dialogue has to coincide with developmental dialogue, especially in periods of transition.