Transatlantic Slave Trade Resolution and the EU’s Legal Position

Executive Summary

The European Union’s abstention from a United Nations General Assembly resolution recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity reflects a tension between legal formalism and the growing global demand for historical justice. While grounded in principles such as non-retroactivity, the EU’s position risks being perceived as normatively inconsistent and politically insensitive particularly by African states.

Beyond legal considerations, the decision carries important economic implications, including potential reparations debates, shifts in EU–Africa economic relations, and evolving expectations around development finance and corporate accountability.

A balanced approach combining legal coherence with political sensitivity is essential to strengthen EU–Africa relations and advance global justice.....

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