Paper short abstract:

Since 2000 cooperation between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) is governed through the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. This paper presents views and perceptions on the past, present and future of ACP-EU cooperation based on country consultations in six African states.

Paper long abstract:

Following the adoption of the Rome Treaty, the EU developed a formal and privileged cooperation framework for its relationship with countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP). Since 2000 cooperation between the EU and the ACP is governed through the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA). At the core of this agreement, which expires in 2020, lies the objective of "reducing and eventually eradicating poverty, consistent with the objectives of sustainable development and the gradual integration of the ACP countries into the world economy" (Art. 1). The CPA pursues this objective through three complementary dimensions: political dialogue, economic and trade cooperation, and development cooperation. This unique configuration makes the CPA the most comprehensive North-South partnership in existence today, all the more because it involves both state and non-state actors. A common view among stakeholders of ACP-EU relations is that Africa will hold the keys for the future of the ACP group. Africa's trade remains largely focused on the EU, while both Pacific and Caribbean states have access to other regional markets than the EU. This paper draws on the findings of a joint ECDPM-DIE research projects which analysed relevant studies and included consultations in six African states to gather perceptions on the past, present and future of ACP-EU cooperation from a wide variety of stakeholders. By presenting this analysis with an emphasis on perceptions, views and ideas from African stakeholders beyond Brussels, this paper seeks to contribute to an ongoing debate on the future of Africa-EU relations.