29th Session of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers in Botswana

Summary: May 13, 2004: 29th Session of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers, Gaborone (Botswana), 6/7 May 2004 (Brussels)

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The 29th Session of the ACP-EC Council of Ministers took place in Gaborone (Botswana) on 6 and 7 May under the co-chairmanship of Mr. Pierre MOUSSA, Ministre du Plan, de l'Aménagement du Territoire et de l'intégration économique of the Republic of Congo and Mr. Tom KITT TD, Minister of State for Development Cooperation and Human Rights of Ireland. The European Commission was represented by Commissioner Poul NIELSON. For the first time, representatives of the 10 new Member States of the EU participated as full members of the ACP-EC Council, following the enlargement of the EU on 1 May 2004.

The two-day session began with a meeting, at ministerial level, of the ACPEC Development Finance Cooperation Committee. This Committee deals with the implementation of Financial Cooperation, which is one important component of the ACP-EC Partnership, along with political dialogue and Trade Cooperation.

The ACPEC Council focused in particular on the following issues:

Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs): The Council took note of a Report on the state of play of the negotiations. This shows that further progress has been made since the start of the process in September 2002, as regional negotiations with four different ACP groups of countries (Central Africa, West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa and the Caribbean) have begun and others have announced their intention to start negotiations later this year. The new trade arrangements will be concluded by the end of 2007. EPAs should be instruments for development aiming at the integration of the ACP in the world economy, according to WTO rules.
Trade cooperation: the ACP presented their concerns regarding cotton, sugar, rice and bananas. The Council was also informed of particular concerns of the ACP side concerning the level of cadmium content in swordfish allowed into the EU and the tuna fish import quota of ACP countries.
Development finance cooperation and implementation: The Development Finance Cooperation Committee welcomed the progress made in the implementation of cooperation and the successful effort to make EDF resources more efficient. 2003 was a record year both in terms of commitment and disbursement. A Decision to use € 250 million from the 9th EDF reserves for the establishment of the ACP-EC Water Facility was taken.
Both Parties discussed the possible integration of the EDF into the EU budget. The ACP side envisages that, in parallel to the discussion on EDF budgetisation, a 10th EDF be made available to ACP countries in order to allow for the accomplishment of the objectives of the Partnership Agreement. The EU is still considering the proposal by the Commission. Pending a decision, the Commission will make the preparations necessary to pursue both options, integration and a 10th EDF. The ACP-EC Committee of Ambassadors was entrusted to take decisions on behalf of the Joint Council of Ministers on the revision of terms and conditions of financing for short-term fluctuations in export earnings ("FLEX") and the use of the long-term development envelope of the 9th EDF.
The revision of the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement (the Cotonou Agreement) was launched. Both parties have notified each other of the provisions they wish to review. The Joint Council agreed on a structure and timing for the negotiations. The EU stated that this revision will not question the fundamental objectives and principles of the Cotonou Agreement, which was concluded for a period of twenty years but adopt the Partnership, in particular its political dimension and its provisions concerning Finance Cooperation, to make it more flexible and responsive to the needs of the ACP States.
The ACP-EC Council approved without discussion an ACP-EC Joint Document on Combating Drought and Desertification which is a follow-up to a Joint ACP-EC Paper, adopted at the last session of the ACP-EC Council.

The EU mentioned two specific points:

International Criminal Court (ICC): the EU raised the point in order to promote further adherence to the Rome Statute and to propose the inclusion in the Cotonou Agreement of a reference to the ICC and the joint commitment to international justice.
Gaborone Amendment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): the Commission launched an appeal to ACP countries that have not yet ratified the Gaborone amendment to do so. This would allow the EC to become a member of the CITES.

During the second day of the ACP-EC Council, a number of Ministers from both sides intervened in an informal exchange of views on the topic of HIV/AIDS. This enjoyed media coverage and involved the participation of a number of speakers representing non-State Actors and International Organisations. The discussion addressed the topic in its multifaceted dimension, providing an overview of the state of the epidemic and its economic and social impact, local knowledge and experiences from Southern Africa and global governance instruments to combat the pandemic. The case of the host country, Botswana, was presented as a successful experience through political leadership in tackling the pandemic that provides an example of best practices for other countries. The importance of combining prevention, information and care was stressed. All parties underlined the global challenge HIV / AIDS poses in terms of public safety, sustainable development and human security.

Internet: http://ue.eu.int/

Ref: EC04-124EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 13/5/2004

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