What are Economic Partnership Agreements?
Economic Partnership Agreements (often shortened to EPAs) are trade deals being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and 76 poor countries – mostly former colonies in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (known as the ACP). The deals are extremely important as they will lay the rules of trade between Europe and these countries for decades to come and affect the lives of millions of people. They are also highly controversial.
The negotiations were due to be completed by the end of 2007 but the deals are far from signed, sealed and delivered. Although intended to support development in ACP countries, the EU has consistently pushed offensive interests in a way that looks set to undermine poor countries’ development. Meanwhile the whole process has been characterised by manipulation, bullying and underhand tactics from the EU
