Brussels, 03/03/2006 (Agence Europe) - For good measure with the new strategy for Africa, endorsed by the European Council last December, the European Commission presented, on 2 March, the new strategy that it is recommending for the Caribbean - one of the ACP Group (Africa/Caribbean/Pacific) regions linked to the Union through the Cotonou Agreement. As the Commission sees it, this strategy aims to establish a strong partnership between the EU and the Caribbean on development, the fight against poverty, democracy, human rights and global threats to peace, security and stability. All in all, it is a political partnership based on shared values to address the Caribbean region's economic and environmental opportunities and promote social cohesion. “What we are proposing with this new strategy is a mutually beneficial partnership for development, democracy and security. This strong link will help us to address the important challenges of globalisation which the Caribbean region faces today. We must prevent the region from drifting into political insecurity and help the Caribbean region achieve its long term development goals in a self-sustaining manner”, Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid policy, said.
The Caribbean region has embarked on a path of regional integration and economic diversification, restructuring and reform. The Commission supports this development as a means to harness the opportunities of globalisation by the mostly small and economically vulnerable Caribbean states. It recommends EU support for these changes and its systematic support for key institutions such as parliaments, the judiciary and public financial management systems, whose role is determining to ensure good governance. In order to promote the effectiveness of these institutions, the EU should encourage transparency and information exchange that will allow corruption to be fought, as well as financial irregularities and financial malpractices. The strategy advocated by the EU supports the efforts of regional integration underway and contributes to improving competitiveness, diversifying exports and supporting the establishment of regional markets. The EU should also intensify its trade-related assistance and support small and medium-sized enterprises. Environmental and natural resources are an important asset in the Caribbean, especially for the poorer part of the local population. The Commission trusts the EU will help to increase the region's capacity in natural disaster management with emphasis on risk reduction, preparedness, early warning, prevention and mitigation. The “combating poverty” part of the strategy provides for EU support in the fight against chronic poverty and the improvement of stability of basic subsistence means, the support of national strategies aimed at supporting social protection systems and activities that generate income for the poorest (in cooperation with civil society), support for the fight against HIV/AIDs and the strengthening of health care regimes, the prevention of drug abuse, with emphasis on education, greater awareness, training and the coordination of institutions.
We recall that the Caribbean, like five other ACP regions (the Pacific and four African sub-regions), is engaged in the negotiation of an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the EU that is to take effect in 2008 to prepare for the establishment of a free trade area in the run-up to 2020.