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The arrogance and inflexibility of the European Union drive African negotiators into rejection of all EPAs
A series of negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) was held in Ouagadougou from June 7-11 between the European Union and West Africa. A press information desk was set up by a number of civil society organisations of Burkina and Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dieye from Senegal, the civil society spokesman among the African negotiators. And here is the “progress report” on the state of the talks.
In fact nothing is moving ahead. The talks have stalled. The European Union, which has always maintained that it has no offensive interests to defend, did not show any flexibility, but held on to its unacceptable demands.
As regards for instance the “liberalisation of trade” between the EU and West Africa (the main purpose of the EPAs, which are in fact free trade agreements under a slightly different name), West Africa has already gone a long way. It has given up the 50% market access advanced by civil society a long time ago. In November 2009 the African negotiators in Abidjan increased it to 66.4%. And in May this year, against all odds, West Africa has offered to let Europe have access to 70% of its markets. In spite of the recriminations from the civil society and the concern expressed by many countries in the region, this offer of 70% access was still upheld !
However, the EU always wants more and its representatives insisted right here in Ouagadougou on an 80% rate. « This is not only an aggressive request. It is indecent and comes a shock to all those who are aware of the present state of the economy of the West African region and wish to safeguard its future. The Europeans moreover demanded a 15 year time span for the implementation, whilst the West Africans have consistently suggested 25 years » (quote from document distributed before the press conference by civil society organisations).
« The European team furthermore asks West Africa to accept a clause on economic sanctions for alleged political mismanagement by its leaders (« clause de non exécution » - which was rejected). It also wants the region to do away with the levy on community funds to finance the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMOU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meagre resources are the only funds available to support regional integration. No international regulation, even of the World Trade Organisation, could force the region to give up its sovereign appropriation of funds for integration and limit itself to holding out a begging hand to Europe. The citizens of West Africa reject such a possibility in advance. »(From the document quoted above).
Other differences of opinion occurred, in particular on the origin and funding of the EPA development programme.
Our reaction to this information ?
Personally I believe this is good news !
The arrogance and inflexibility of the European Union has revealed the true nature of things to African leaders. Europe – just like all others – does not have friends but interests to defend. It was hoping that the partnership agreements would bar China, India and Brazil from making inroads. But West Africa is not ready to sell out either.
So this is indeed good news of the EPAs !
The arrogance and inflexibility of the European Union drive African negotiators into rejection of all EPAs !
Koudougou, June 12th 2010
Maurice Oudet
Director, SEDELAN |
