In Brussels, Belgium, the 79 countries that make up the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States have embarked on a strategic review aimed at “repositioning” the group within the global arena and readying itself for negotiations on its future relationship with the EU.
Details regarding the timing of negotiations remain unclear, but a group of “eminent persons” has been tasked with steering the issue through a series of internal consultations. Devex has learned that an ACP position paper is in the works.
The next five years will be crucial for the future of the European Union’s development cooperation with ACP countries with the the Cotonou agreement — which sets out the details of the EU-ACP partnership — due to expire in 2020.
Read more stories on the EU-ACP relations:
► The big winners of the EU's new EDF
► 'No revolution' in 11th EDF upsurge, but still encouraging
► EU-ACP lawmakers urge economic recovery efforts in Ebola-affected nations
About the author
Elena L. Pasquini@elenapasquini
Elena Pasquini covers the development work of the European Union as well as various U.N. food and agricultural agencies for Devex News. Based in Rome, she also reports on Italy's aid reforms and attends the European Development Days and other events across Europe. She has interviewed top international development officials, including European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs. Elena has contributed to Italian and international magazines, newspapers and news portals since 1995.
