EU leaders will adopt a new strategy for Africa today that aims to deliver sustainable development and achieve the United Nations' millennium development goals (MDGs).
It also sets out measures to improve peace and security on the continent, which include the possibility of deploying EU battlegroups, according to draft conclusions.
The strategy lays out the steps that the EU will take between now and 2015 in partnership with African states to eradicate poverty and support economic growth.
Its primary aim is to achieve the eight MDGs, which range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/Aids and providing universal primary education - by a target date of 2015.
It also includes pledges by 15 EU states, including Ireland, to increase development aid to 0.7 per cent of gross national income by this date, and encourages the EU to develop innovative financing mechanisms for development aid, such as a cut of the cost of airline tickets.
"If Africa is to meet the challenge of development, sound policies and good leadership must be backed by increased, sustainable and predictable financial flows at a level consistent with our ambitions," says the draft strategy.
The strategy also seeks to integrate Africa more fully into the global trade system, by pressing for a successful outcome to the Doha round of World Trade Organisation talks, and reducing barriers to trade. The EU, which has already committed €1 billion per year in "aid for trade" to Africa, says it will build on this figure.
Aid for trade is funding used to help states build their institutional capacity so they can seize trade opportunities. Cash can be used to develop a range of infrastructure projects.
EU diplomats said adoption of the strategy was important because it was the first time the EU as a collective had adopted such a targeted strategy for Africa.
As well as focusing on measures to promote sustainable development, The EU and Africa: Towards a Strategic Partnership focuses on delivering peace and security.
EU states commit themselves to strengthening regional peace-keeping forces, such as the African Union's African Standby Force, by providing training and logistical support.
The strategy envisages the possible deployment of EU battlegroups to promote peace and stability, while redoubling EU efforts to stem the flow of illicit weapons to Africa.
It also commits the EU to providing technical assistance and information sharing to African states to counter terrorism. The EU will enhance its support for post-conflict reconstruction projects designed to achieve lasting peace and stability.