A comparison of the provisions of the economic partnership agreements: working paper
The economic partnership agreements is intended to go beyond fostering African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states and the European Union through preferential market access conditions. The comparison analysis found that the agreements do recognize the varying levels of development of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in the text. A range of measures to support the promotion of exports from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries have been included, such as in the areas of compliance with European Union standards and the enhancement of intra-regional trade. The development cooperation provisions of the agreements have been designed as a key channel for achieving these broader aims. This paper is intended to be a reference document on the provisions contained in the six agreements and highlight some key areas for consideration when moving forward with the continental integration agenda. The paper is structured as follows: the introduction outlines the status of the economic partnership agreement process and the justification and objective of the work. Section II provides notes on the methodology used. Some key findings from the comparison exercise are highlighted in section III. Section IV provides legal analysis on selected themes. Section V highlights recommendations and additional strategic considerations. The similarities and differences between the agreements are provided in table form, subject-by subject, as covered in the text of the agreements in the annex.
↧