On Wednesday 10 April, MEPs approved by 448 votes to 31, with 131 abstentions, the signing in Apia last November of the Samoa Agreement between the EU and 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) (see EUROPE 13293/19).
MEPs also adopted (451 votes in favour, 47 against and 104 abstentions) the report by Tomas Tobé (EPP, Swedish) containing their conclusions on this new partnership agreement, which succeeds the Lomé Convention and the Cotonou Agreement.
In particular, the European Parliament welcomes the commitments made with the OACPS to protect and promote human rights. However, it regrets that the agreement does not explicitly mention discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender, and calls on all parties to put an end to discrimination and sanctions, including the application of the death penalty, against LGBTI people.
“Swift ratification and comprehensive implementation of the agreement is critical to countering growing geopolitical instability and overcoming unprecedented shared global challenges”, said Mr Tobé on the sidelines of the vote.
Link to the report as adopted: https://aeur.eu/f/bpf (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)