The Cotonou Agreement Benefits the Poorest
| Author | Louis Michel |
| Profession | European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid |
| Pages | 3-5 |
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Much has happened since that historic moment on 23 June 2000 when the ACP-EC Partnership Agreement was signed, marking the beginning of a new era in the relationship between the ACP States and the European Union. The strengthening of the international development agenda has taken place against a background of an accelerated globalisation process, a rise in international terrorism and conflicts in the poorest countries, increased migratory flows and a rise in illicit trafficking and global environmental threats.
Five years after the signature of the Cotonou Agreement the need for progress in development is more pressing today than ever before.
The priority is, and remains, poverty eradication and sustainable development. The European Union is the world's largest aid donor, responsible for 55% of international aid, the biggest trading partner for the poorest countries, and a key actor in political dialogue, conflict prevention and crisis management on a global scale. The Union is fully aware of its particular responsibility in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and remains firmly committed to strengthening its leadership role in development.
In 2005, the EU undertook ambitious commitments to increase its aid effort between now and 2010 and to improve the contribution of non aid polices to the development agenda. The EU is engaged in an important development agenda, which includes better alignment of development policies to the MDG challenges, important growth in development assistance, substantial trade policy contributions such as the "Everything but Arms Initiative", strengthened efforts to improve aid effectiveness through greater donor harmonisation and coordination and a continuedPage 4 commitment to promoting effective multilateralism. Moreover, for the first time in over 50 years of development cooperation, the new Development Policy Statement, the "European Consensus on Development" (approved by the Commission, European Parliament and Council) defines a common framework, uniting Member States and the Community around common development principles, values and objectives.
The Cotonou Agreement has often been hailed as an exemplary agreement, serving as a model for other EU agreements with third parties. The political dimension of the partnership plays a pivotal role and association of civil society and other stakeholders has contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of our cooperation. The key objective of developing a more strategic common approach to poverty reduction must continue to be steadily promoted. The social, economic, political, cultural and environmental aspects of sustainable development are integrated throughout the Agreement, reflecting the relevant international commitments taken by EU and ACP partners. Moreover, in line with WTO requirements, steady progress is being made on putting into place an innovative economic and trade cooperation framework aimed at abolishing trade obstacles and promoting the gradual integration of ACP countries into the global economy. Efficiency in financial cooperation must continue to improve greater responsiveness in the framework of the programming process and through improved capacity to respond to crises.
The negotiation of the first five-year revision of the Agreement provided a good opportunity to further improve and deepen the partnership. Following 10 months of intense negotiations, a global agreement was reached and the revised Agreement was signed on 25 June 2005 in Luxembourg.
The approach to the review process was first to consolidate the fundamental "acquis" of the Cotonou Agreement and second, to take stock and improve the effectiveness and quality of the ACP-EC partnership. Accordingly, the revision process has resulted in improved implementation arrangements and the introduction of new security-related provisions.
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The ACP States and the Union have agreed to further enhance the political dimension of the partnership by means of a more systematic and formal political dialogue based on the well established principles of partnership and ownership. The amendments place greater emphasis on an effective and results-orientated dialogue rendering the provisions on good governance, human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law more constructive and operational.
Agreement was reached to include a reference to cooperation in countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This constitutes a real break-through in the area of international relations, reflecting the common commitment of 78 ACP countries and 25 EU Member States to combating the proliferation of WMD. There was also agreement to include a reference to the International Criminal Court and the Statute of Rome which demonstrates partners' common commitment to the institutions of global governance. Furthermore, the revised agreement provides for a clause which confirms ACP-EC international cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
My personal commitment to development and my great appreciation of the ACP-EC partnership have been enhanced by the positive and beneficial cooperation I have experienced in the framework of the Cotonou Agreement. I believe that this partnership will continue to play a key role in helping us achieve the many challenges which lie ahead.
