Brussels, 12/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 11 November in Brussels, EU27 development ministers confirmed the EU's determination for the economic partnership agreements (EPAs) negotiated with the ACP regions (Africa/Caribbean and Pacific) to be at the service of development in ACP countries, to strengthen regional integration in the ACP-EU partnership framework, and to respect the choices of ACP partners' objectives, modalities and the rhythm and priorities in their own regional integration processes.
Alain Joyandet, the president of the Council, informed the press that “the EPAs should not just be trade agreements. They must include a strong development component and agriculture should also be an integral part of them”. He added that, “the French Presidency has requested an agro-food exception in the international regulation. Agriculture for food is not a commercial product like the others”.
Louis Michel, the European commissioner for development, was delighted that Catherine Ashton, the new commissioner for trade, is prepared to be more flexible in negotiating EPAs based on the specificities of the different countries and regions (EUROPE 9766). Mr Michel stated that “this does not mean passivity but grater flexibility in discussions with our partners. We have already begun and I am optimistic”. He was pleased to note developments in the ACP which are “aware that they will not benefit from globalisation unless they accept difficult but necessary reforms”.
The Council affirms that EPAs should be based on the existing regional integration processes and strengthen and encourage them. The Council approves of the five priorities proposed by the Commission to underpin ACP regional integration: strengthening the regional institutions, creating integrated regional markets, supporting enterprise development, connecting regional infrastructure networks and developing regional policies for sustainable development.
The Council is extremely satisfied with the signing of the first EPA on 15 October in Barbados with Cariforum countries (apart from Haiti) and urges them to give the agreement full support.
The Council reaffirms that in this connection it would like to see the negotiating process with all ACP regions conclude complete regional EPAs, devised as development instruments and compatible with WTO rules that lead to maximum benefits for ACP countries in the global economy. (A.N./transl.rh)