The year 2020 will mark the renewal of the relationship between the European Union and the 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in terms of politics, economics and trade. Signed in 2000, the Cotonou Agreement that underpins this relationship will need to be renewed. It mobilises a significant budget earmarked for development: 30.5 billion euros have thus been allocated to the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) for the period 2014-2020. Negotiations between the parties will begin in September 2018 at the latest. Should the agreement be extended and, if so, with what goals and in what form?
Through two different views – that of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and that of an independent think tank specialising in Europe’s foreign policy (ECDPM) –, this seminar will address the key challenges of the relationship between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States. The examination of this partnership can be considered as a decisive test for the EU institutions and the overall capacity of the member states to radically reform their approach to external action and cooperation for development.
This seminar will also be the opportunity to analyse the possibility for the EU and its member states to not only promote the EU’s values and interests, but also to develop an updated political partnership that addresses global and regional challenges and to provide more effective support for development.
The presentations will be followed by a discussion with participants.
