A mixture of moderate optimism and pessimism. This describes my state of mind regarding negotiations under way between the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) states. The optimism is for the short term: it is highly likely that by the end of the year, both sides will manage to define (even though a few African countries may delay their signature) partial provisions and a few commitments in principle which will help to avoid the preferential regimes and other links, which have...