Summary: January 20, 2005: EU Trade Commissioner puts development at the heart of EU trade agreements with ACP countries (Brussels)
EU Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson today told European NGOs and Civil Society representatives that he would put development at the heart of the European Union's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. He announced that he would set up a review mechanism for regions negotiating EPAs to ensure that the EPA process was closely tied to the delivery of development goals. He argued that EPAs are a key tool for building the capacity of
developing economies. The Commissioner also launched a discussion paper that is designed to answer questions about the nature and function of EPAs.
Speaking before the meeting between the Commissioner and the Civil Society Dialogue, which brings together representatives of European Civil Society, Commissioner Mandelson said: "In the past the poorest countries have not got their fair share of the benefits of global economic integration. I want EPAs to be tools of trade and development; building regional markets among developing countries, strengthening regional producers and integrating those markets and producers into the global trading
system. I will establish a review mechanism that constantly assesses the contribution of EPAs to development goals. I want concrete measures to assure our partners that EU trade policy puts development first."
EPAs are designed to encourage regional integration among developing countries, and in doing so improve conditions for regional growth and inward investment. Once regions have built up their economic capacity, EPAs provide the terms for progressive trade opening. Transition periods to open trade are agreed on a case by case basis and defined by the needs of the country and industry in question. In all cases the EU will provide wide and asymmetrical access to its own markets during the
adjustment period.
EPAs will also provide the development support tools to help ACP countries increase their economic capacity. By supporting the increased competitiveness and diversification of ACP economies, the EU can assist their transition to full integration in the global trading system.
In cooperation with Commissioner for Development Louis Michel, Commissioner Mandelson will create a dedicated assessment mechanism that will put the EPA process under constant review and ensure that it meets and exceeds development objectives. These development benchmarks will be defined in consultation with ACP countries themselves.
Background
Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) are the trade agreements that the EU is negotiating to replace the agreements on terms of trade between the EU and developing countries established by the Cotonou Agreement, which expires at the end of 2007. The EU is negotiating six EPAs with regional blocs from the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
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