Fourth ECOWAS-European Union Meeting at Ministerial Level

1. The fourth annual political dialogue meeting at ministerial level was held between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union (EU) in Accra on 15 October 2003. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nana Akufo-Addo for ECOWAS and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alfredo Mantica for the EU, led the delegations.

2. This meeting takes place only a few days after the launching of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations between West Africa and the EU that took place in Cotonou on 6 October 2003. The EU reiterated the necessity to advance in the EPA negotiations, as it is an essential element of its support for deepening regional economic integration.

3. The EU recognised the crucial role of ECOWAS for economic integration in West Africa as a building block for broader African economic integration. The move towards an effective Free Trade Area by 2004 and the establishment of an ECOWAS Customs Union by 2007 at the latest would be important steps in this direction. The EU reaffirmed its readiness to support ECOWAS in this important challenge.

4. ECOWAS reminded of the low level of development of the region and underlined the need to receive support to improve competitiveness in its member states to facilitate improvement in their positions into developed economies. ECOWAS also underlined the importance of reinforcing its capacity for the preparation of the negotiations. The EU recognised the importance of supporting ECOWAS in this matter.

5. Both delegations agreed on the importance of advancing regional integration at the political and economic levels within the framework of the African Union. ECOWAS reaffirmed its full commitment for the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development - NEPAD. The EU reiterated its full support for the NEPAD and welcomed the new role of ECOWAS in relation to the development of the initiative. Both parties agreed to continue consultations in this process.

6. ECOWAS briefed the EU extensively on its mediation and peacekeeping efforts in the crises of Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea Bissau and Liberia. The EU congratulated ECOWAS for its success in contributing to peace in the sub-region. The EU confirmed its full support for the reinforcement of the capacities of ECOWAS in conflict management and prevention and reiterated its intention to continue its financial support during the peace-building period in the countries. ECOWAS thanked the EU for its moral, political and financial support during the peace processes in the region.

7. Both parties agreed on the need for addressing conflicts on the basis of a regional strategy. In this respect, the EU manifested its strong interest in the initiative proposed by Côte d'Ivoire for an ECOWAS Regional Stabilisation Plan.

8. ECOWAS and the EU expressed their concern for the situation in Guinea Bissau and agreed on the need to have a comprehensive plan to allow the transition of the country to democracy. This plan should address all the underlying causes of instability.

9. The EU expressed its full support for the ECOWAS Small Arms Moratorium as an important strategy for eliminating identified sources of conflict and urged West African leaders to give political priority to efforts to control proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the region. The EU expressed willingness to assist with improving the capacities of ECOWAS member states through their National Commissions, as well as the ECOWAS Secretariat in controlling Small Arms and Light Weapons.

10. ECOWAS and the EU insisted on the need to implement disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programs to achieve a durable peace. Both delegations stressed their commitment to human rights and on the need to bring to justice those responsible for the worst human rights abuses during armed conflicts.

11. Both parties expressed satisfaction for the positive developments in the accreditation process of EU representatives in Abuja, which will facilitate reinforced contacts between the EU and ECOWAS.

12. In the margins of the meeting, the European Commission and ECOWAS signed a Financing Agreement regarding the support of the office of ECOWAS Special Representative in Liberia and ECOWAS peacekeeping force.

13. The delegations took note of the proposal of the next EU Presidency (Ireland) to hold the next meeting in the first quarter of 2004 in Dublin (Ireland).

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