New Africa-Caribbean-Pacific/European Union Partnership: Chief negotiators agree on economic priorities for future agreement

Meeting in New York today in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the chief negotiators Commissioner Mimica and Togolese Minister Robert Dussey further specified the economic framework of future relations between African, Caribbean and Pacific countries with the European Union after 2020.

Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development and the EU's Chief Negotiator Neven Mimica said: “One year after launching our negotiations, the shape of the future agreement is becoming more precise with every day. Today, we endorsed the text on the economic priorities that aim to boost growth, jobs, and better living conditions for all. But the clock is ticking, and I am counting on all partners to put in the necessary efforts to soon deliver an agreement that we all want: modern and ambitious.”

Robert Dussey, Togo's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Africa Integration, the ACP's Chief Negotiator and Chair of the Ministerial Central Negotiating Group, said: "We are delighted with the work our negotiators have done since our last meeting. We have made excellent progress together, and I thank all those who have worked steadfastly to advance the common foundation and the regional protocols. We uphold our commitment to conclude an Agreement that will produce a win-win outcome for both the ACP and the EU.”

Next steps

Negotiations will continue on the remaining parts of the agreement in the coming weeks. Discussions on the so-called “common foundation” for all countries cover the general provisions, international cooperation, the means of cooperation, the institutional framework and the final provisions.

At the same time, talks on the three partnerships with each region will intensify. The chief negotiators are expected to discuss progress on the three regional pillars at their next meeting, scheduled for October. 

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