Post-Cotonou Agreement: the EU should not downgrade the ACP, African officials urge

Yesterday, 20 March, the Development Committee (DEVE) of the European Parliament (EP) held a public hearing regarding the negotiations between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states and the European Union (EU) for a new comprehensive agreement that will manage their relationship after the Cotonou Agreement expires in 2020. According to the two parties,the post-Cotonou Agreement will have to address the possible gaps of the already existing document and it is expected to renew the relationship between the signatories. However, the exchange showed that the relationship of the two is fragmented, with the EU seeming optimistic and the African Union (AU) feeling left out.

News Highlights: More money for Turkey deal, Eritrea in Human Rights Council, Video of Hajji Musa’s funeral

 In this week’s news highlights: The UN Human Rights Council discussed Eritrea; video emerges of respected Eritrean elder’s funeral; letter of an Eritrean citizen to his President; South Sudan runs out of money; EU announces stricter migration measures and more money for Turkey; European Parliament urges release of human rights defenders in Sudan; EEAS updates on migration actions; and data should be used cautiously when it comes to refugees and migrants, expert warns.

With 2020 deadline Approaching, EU Institutions initiate talks for a post-Cotonou Agreement

Since 2000, the relations between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have been largely governed by the Cotonou Agreement. This agreement aims at reducing and eventually eradicating poverty and, at the same time, contributing to sustainable development and to the gradual integration of ACP countries in the world economy. The Agreement is set to expire in 2020 and the EU institutions have initiated discussions on how to formulate a post-Cotonou Agreement that will address the possible gaps of the already existing document and will renew the relationship between the signatories.