Trade relations to clarify and review. The changing relationship of the EU with the US and China (see this column yesterday) is one of the most spectacular aspects of the transformation of Europe's role in the world. The way in which EU-Africa relations function, however, requires a rethink. Caution is necessary, given the scale of the historic, political and economic links between the two parties. A few general orientations may therefore prove to be useful.
The first requirement is the clarification and revision of trade relations. On a number of occasions, this column has expressed concern about the systems that have theoretically been established in order to take WTO rules (World Trade Organisation) into account. These systems will not, however, in reality ever be put into practice in any uniform way. The set-up agreed works and is developed partially with one or other African country or small groups of countries, but Âfrica does not represent a uniform whole and several states reject the planned mechanisms. Defending this system means fighting a rearguard battle and I think that the European Commission chose the wrong way forward from the very beginning. Several African countries are in fact developing their trade links more with China than with Europe. Certain elements in the institutional package that was so carefully set up are nothing but a façade. The system is working on the bilateral level but overall it must be adapted to real situations. I do not believe in uniform formulas that can be applied globally.
The EP has responded to the situation in Somalia. In this context, what should be said about the specific case of Somalia? The European Parliament has just made a statement that goes well beyond simple appeals to provide some relief to the people, especially women and children, suffering from the tragic situation of drought and famine. The EP's resolution was adopted at unanimity and denounces those to blame for the situation. It settles on (I will quote from EUROPE 10453) “an indictment without appeal of the action taken by the Shabab Islamic movement in Somalia, which hinders humanitarian action”. It calls for “the end of abusive speculation on the agri-food market that has contributed to the current famine” and demands that there is a “vital examination of the peace process in Djibouti” (which, in theory, should lead to peace but which is in fact totally ineffective). A journalist who had been working on the field in Somalia reported that “food is rotting in Mogadishu”. The EP has also explicitly criticised the government in Eritrea, which has rejected humanitarian aid for its population. Those who were able to read this column in EUROPE 10451 will understand to what point I welcome the resolution cited above. Although the Parliament does not tackle the ignominious behaviour of Somali pirates, it recognises the need for a new model in relations between the EU and Somalia (and with African countries in general) based on reciprocal respect and the local authorities meeting their responsibilities.
Transparency as an imperative. The second requirement in the EU-Africa relationship involves better transparency. The polemic raging with regard to possible kickbacks in the past by African leaders to certain French political forces is certainly unhealthy if it did indeed go on. Obviously, I don't know whether there is any real substance to the rumours and accusations but they do highlight the existence of a number of shady areas and suspicions of corruption. The EU, however, must not in any direct or indirect way be involved in affairs of this kind. Any European funding to Africa has to be transparent and projects funded by Europe have to be subject to control and accountability. We are still a long way from this.
Is South Africa a model? There is still the specific case of relations between the EU and South Africa to be highlighted. This perhaps indicates the way ahead in favour of targeted relations between countries or groups of countries instead of the current across-the-board system, which is neither fair nor adapted to situations that are very often quite different. This system requires a tremendous amount of bureaucracy; it multiplies the number of parliamentary bodies without obtaining any visible results and often these bodies do not represent the people they are supposed to but rather the authorities that hold power. South Africa benefits from the largest amount of EU support in the context of its bilateral relations (EUROPE 10450) - its projects are well targeted and its results subject to scrutiny.
On the other hand, the current mechanisms that have been set up across the board between the EU and Africa incur significant administrative costs and their results are often disappointing or impossible to evaluate. Europe remains the biggest donor of aid to Africa. Certain reforms would help improve project management and the evaluation of results, whilst taking into account the EU's budgetary difficulties and those of its member states.
European deficits have been subject to criticism everywhere and austerity policies are being imposed; but assistance is being called for from across the globe. A little coherence would definitely be in order.
(FR/transl.fl)