Europe's colonial reckoning: Why reparations demands meet resistance in Brussels

As former colonies unite in demanding compensation for historical wrongs, Europe's stance remains firmly opposed despite growing international pressure, writes Eric Daily.

In the hallowed halls of the United Nations, where European leaders anticipated routine diplomatic exchanges, a pressing historical grievance has thrust itself onto the contemporary agenda: the demand for colonial reparations. Spearheaded by an increasingly coordinated coalition of African, Caribbean, and Latin American nations, this movement challenges Europe to confront the enduring economic consequences of its colonial past. Despite similar reparations discussions gaining traction in the United States, European governments remain largely unified in their resistance to financial compensation for historical wrongs.

The European position: Firm resistance amid growing pressure

European powers have articulated a consistent position regarding reparations, emphasizing forward-looking cooperation over historical financial compensation.

In August 2025, German authorities formally refused to pay compensation to former colonies of the German Empire. While acknowledging the "injustice committed during German colonial domination," the government contended that "the concept of compensation in international law arises from the violation of an international obligation," and no such obligations existed toward colonies at the time. Despite this position, Germany had previously agreed in 2021 to pay Namibia €1.1 billion over 30 years, though these funds have yet to be transferred .

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that the United Kingdom will not—"now or in the future"—pay any compensation for its role in the slave trade. Adopting a pragmatic approach, Starmer stated, "I would rather roll up my sleeves and work with Commonwealth countries on current and future challenges than spend a lot of time on the past." This position received implicit royal endorsement when King Charles III urged leaders to "choose the language of respect and reject the language of division" .

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa acknowledged that Portugal should "pay the costs and compensation" for its colonial past, particularly the forced transportation of approximately 6 million Africans—the largest number by any European nation. However, the Portuguese government subsequently rejected this position, refusing to pay reparations to its former colonies .

The American Contrast: A Shifting Domestic Debate

While the United States seem to support the idea of reparations for European colonialism in Africa, a significant domestic movement addressing America's own historical injustices has gained remarkable traction.

This growing momentum in American domestic policy has not translated into support for African claims against European powers. The recent Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to freeze $4 billion in foreign aid underscores a broader shift toward pragmatic foreign policy that expects European nations to resolve their own historical disputes directly with African partners.

The Path Forward

The reparations debate represents far more than a historical accounting—it is a fundamental disagreement about intergenerational justice and contemporary responsibility. As Barbara Bonte, a Belgian Member of the European Parliament, noted in her criticism of EU-Africa relations, the current approach has proven counterproductive, pushing African partners toward "more equal and respectful engagement" with other global powers .

With the delayed EU-Africa Summit now scheduled for November 2025 in Angola, European leaders face a critical juncture. They must balance firm legal and political positions against the growing momentum for historical accountability. While Europe continues to emphasize future-oriented cooperation and development assistance, African nations and their allies are increasingly insistent that true partnership requires acknowledging and addressing the lasting economic consequences of colonial exploitation.

Share this article: