The trade, aid and political Agreement signed in Cotonou, Benin in June 2000 between the 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States and the EU enters fully into force today.
The successor to the Lomé Conventions, the Cotonou Agreement arranges the duty free access for tuna products from tuna producing ACP nations into the European Union. It aims at making ACP-EU development co-operation more efficient and acknowledges mutual responsibilities. Poul Nielson, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: "The delay in ratification of the Agreement should not cause us to forget the ambitious goals we set ourselves. At a time of conflict and division in the world, we should celebrate the objectives we share in the Cotonou Agreement and the commitment made by over 90 countries, half the countries in the world, to work together to achieve them. In terms of North-South solidarity, this is the biggest show in town."
The successor to the Lomé Conventions, the Cotonou Agreement is worth €13.5 billion for the coming five years to which can be added the uncommitted balances worth €2.5 billion from previous European Development Funds, thus amounting to a total of €16 billion. For the programming of these resources 74 Country and Regional Strategy Papers and Indicative Programs have been approved and are ready for implementation. In accordance with the principle of ownership, these strategy documents were prepared at the level of countries and regions, in co-operation between the partner countries and the Commission, and after consultation of EU-Member States, other donors and non-state actors.
Cotonou foresees Economic Partnership Agreements that will set up an entirely new framework to support for poverty reduction through trade and investment flows between the EU and the ACP. The negotiations were launched in September 2002. The Commission is convinced that trade and regional integration can make an important contribution to poverty reduction, sustainable growth and beneficial integration into the world economy.
On the financial side, progress is being made in the administration of the European Development Fund. The Commission created the EuropeAid Co-operation Office 2 years ago and started an ambitious program of decentralization of responsibility to Delegations. This will ensure that operational decisions are taken in the country, improving both efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover flexibility is provided by the new provisions of the Agreement (annual and mid-term reviews, resources for unforeseen needs), which can allow for (re) allocation of resources where needed. The Commission recognizes that to improve aid management it needs to work closely with partner countries. The priority given in Cotonou to capacity building will be reflected in support for their capacity to better manage their own finances and to manage donor funds.