On Thursday 29 February, MEPs voted in favour of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Kenya (366 votes in favour, 86 against and 56 abstentions). “This agreement is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and sustainable development”, said European Parliament rapporteur Alessandra Mussolini (EPP, Italian).
This treaty will completely open up the European market to Kenyan exports and gradually open up the Kenyan market to European products. Nairobi will have the option of excluding certain sensitive products from liberalisation.
Many MEPs welcomed the binding clauses on worker protection, gender equality, climate and the environment in the agreement, as well as the obligations to respect the Paris Agreement and the fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Although legally binding, these provisions are not subject to corrective measures or sanctions in the event of non-compliance by either party.
It is now up to the EU Council to formally conclude the agreement in order to complete ratification by the EU. Kenya must do the same. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)