By Foday Moriba Conteh
A new Partnership Agreement was signed between the European Union (EU) and the Members of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), setting a comprehensive framework for their relations over the next two decades. Replacing the Cotonou Agreement, this pact, named the “Samoa Agreement,” addresses pivotal areas like sustainable development, human rights, peace and security.
The nomenclature for this accord was established during the 46th session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers held in Samoa immediately before the signing ceremony.
This new Agreement establishes fundamental principles and encompasses several key priority areas, including human rights, democracy, peace, social development, sustainable economic growth, environmental sustainability, climate change, and migration and mobility.
Comprising a common foundation and three regional protocols tailored for Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, the Agreement focuses on addressing the unique needs of each region.
Collectively, the 27 EU member states and the 79 African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries represent over 2 billion people and hold more than half of the United Nations’ seats. Through this Agreement, the Parties aim to better tackle emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace, and security.
The provisional implementation of the Agreement is slated to commence on January 1, 2024. The Agreement will officially come into force upon consent by the European Parliament and ratification by the Parties, including all EU Member States and at least two-thirds of the OACPS Members.
This partnership, one of the most comprehensive frameworks for cooperation between the EU and third countries, has its roots in the ACP-EU partnership, a longstanding relationship. Its precursor, the Cotonou Agreement, was signed back in 2000.
Negotiations following the Cotonou Agreement began in September 2018, spearheaded by Commissioner Neven Mimica during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The new Agreement was initialed by Chief Negotiators in April 2021.
The Council’s decision on the signature and provisional application of the Agreement was adopted on July 20, 2023.
