The fundamentals of the EU-Africa strategic partnership are determined by EU member governments through the EU Council.

This works at various levels, from heads of government or foreign ministers in the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) down to specialised working groups (e.g. the Africa working group), via the Committee of permanent representatives.

Roles of other parties

• European Commission - driving forward the partnership in all policy areas, which go well beyond development issues.
• European Parliament - oversight of how the partnership is implemented - especially through its Foreign affairs committee and Development committee.

There is also a role for national parliaments and local authorities.

• Civil society - very active in implementing and monitoring the partnership. Non-government bodies have set up an interim steering group for the partnership, to facilitate dialogue and interaction with EU institutions and African civil society bodies.