Economy - published on 16 April 2021
Source: European Commission Spokesperson’s Service
Today’s initialling of the
new Partnership Agreement between the EU and members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS, formerly known as the ACP Group of States) by the chief negotiators,
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey, marks the formal conclusion of the negotiations of the Post Cotonou
Agreement, setting the political, economic and sectorial cooperation framework for the next twenty years.
The Agreement sets the scene for alliance-building and more coordinated actions on the world stage where the group’s impact can be significant to tackle some of the most acute global challenges.
Together, the EU and the members of the OACPS represent over 1.5 billion people and more than half of the seats at the United Nations.
Partners have raised their commitments in priority areas such as: human rights, democracy and governance, peace and security, human development which encompasses health, education and gender
equality, as well as environmental sustainability, climate change, sustainable development and growth, and migration and mobility. The Agreement also includes a strong new regional focus and
governance structure, tailored to each region’s needs, a first in over forty years of collaboration.
The signature of the Agreement is expected in the second half of 2021. For its entry into force, the parties will have to complete their respective internal procedures.
For more information see the press point by
Commissioner Urpilainen and Minister Dussey, a press
release and a Questions &
Answers document.
