Rush for EPAs risks poverty progress, warns MEP

11th December 2007

THE EU rush to conclude crucial trade deals with Africa risks progress in some of the world's poorest countries, Euro-MP Glenys Kinnock today warned.

As the deadline for reaching agreement on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the EU and African, Pacific and Caribbean States (ACP) looms, there is increasing concern that those countries unwilling to sign-up will, as the Commission has threatened, face devastating trade barriers on January 1st.

Speaking in Strasbourg, as the European Parliament debates the issue, GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"A sword of Damocles now hangs over the head of those non-LDCs that are not prepared to agree an interim EPA by the end of the Commission's December deadline. And we must ask ourselves, what is this lack of long-term vision doing to the EU-Africa partnership?

"Enough is enough. It is time for EU Member States to make decisions on acceptable interim alternatives to EPAs - something the Commission has manifestly failed to do.

"Indeed, the EU is coming perilously close to abandoning its principles on that crucial link between trade and development. Not least, the latest strategy of busting up the ACP regions to ensure at least single country or regional EPAs has seriously jeopardised regional integration. The Commission know full well that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

"The EU cannot afford to stubbornly ignore ACP pleas for breathing space. It is utterly senseless and grossly irresponsible to attempt to conclude wrongheaded EPAs in haste. Especially as these trade agreements between the EU and the ACP will be absolutely critical to the development of the poorest countries in the world."

Notes
• Glenys Kinnock MEP is Labour's European spokesperson on International Development and Co-President of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific States - EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.