ACT Alliance EU contributed to the CONCORD statement and in-depth analysis providing a critical assessment of the commitments made in the Post-Cotonou Agreement on key issues that were at the centre of our 3 years of advocacy.
Summary
Introduction
The newly established partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) marks a significant milestone, shaping their relationship for the next two decades.
It outlines a comprehensive framework focusing on sustainability, with commitments to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uphold the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement. Of paramount importance is the shared goal of combating inequalities and ensuring inclusivity, with particular emphasis on leaving no one behind.
The timing of this agreement coincides with the EU’s renewed engagement with Africa, evidenced by the impending adoption of a new EU-Africa strategy. However, to ensure coherence, it is imperative to align the objectives of this agreement with those of the forthcoming strategy, particularly concerning human and social development.
Civil society
While the agreement lays a foundation for robust civil society involvement, there are concerns regarding the actual implementation of these provisions. Despite commitments to protect civil liberties and promote multi-stakeholder engagement, the agreement lacks specificity on how and when civil society participation will be ensured. This ambiguity poses a risk of arbitrary decision-making, potentially hindering civil society’s autonomy and effectiveness.
Gender equality
Gender equality is another critical aspect addressed in the agreement, albeit with some limitations. While the commitment to gender equality is laudable, the agreement’s approach remains somewhat traditional and binary, overlooking the diverse experiences of LGBTIQ populations. Additionally, the absence of comprehensive sexuality education and insufficient recognition of the root causes of inequality are notable gaps that need to be addressed for a more transformative approach.
Human and social development
Human and social development emerge as key priorities within the agreement, encompassing education, health, housing, decent work, and food security, among others. While these commitments are commendable, there is room for improvement in addressing the systemic barriers to equality and social cohesion. Neglecting the crucial role of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in food security and sustainable agriculture is a notable oversight that warrants attention.
Inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development
Economic growth and development are central themes in the agreement, with a focus on fostering sustainable and inclusive business practices. However, while the agreement acknowledges the importance of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), it falls short of adequately addressing the needs of social economy enterprises and cooperatives. Moreover, the emphasis on attracting international investment without corresponding commitments to enforce human rights and environmental standards raises concerns about potential exploitation and inequality.
Migration and mobility
Migration and mobility are addressed within the agreement, albeit with a disproportionate focus on reducing migrant arrivals in Europe. While commitments to legal pathways for migration and circular migration are welcome, there is a need to broaden the discourse to encompass the positive contributions of migration to development. Addressing issues such as racism, xenophobia, and the intersectionality of migration with climate change is essential for a comprehensive approach.
Environment and climate change
Environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation feature prominently in the agreement, with commitments to mainstreaming these considerations across policies and investments. However, the agreement falls short of adequately integrating a social perspective into environmental protection efforts, overlooking the invaluable contributions of local and indigenous knowledge. Furthermore, the absence of concrete financial commitments for environmental goals raises questions about the feasibility of achieving meaningful progress in this area.
Peace and security
Peace and security are vital components of the agreement, with an emphasis on conflict prevention and sustainable peacebuilding. However, there is a need for greater coherence between humanitarian, development, peace, and security efforts to ensure a holistic approach to conflict resolution. Additionally, the agreement should prioritise conflict sensitivity and the inclusion of civil society actors in peacebuilding processes to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability.
Concluding Remarks
While the Post-Cotonou Agreement represents a significant step forward in EU-OACPS relations, there are notable areas for improvement and refinement. Ensuring robust civil society involvement, adopting a more inclusive approach to gender equality and addressing systemic barriers to human and social development are essential for the agreement’s success. Moreover, greater coherence between economic, environmental, and social objectives is necessary to achieve sustainable and equitable outcomes for all parties involved.