The Assembly of the African Union has adopted a Declaration on Economic Partnership Agreements stating, among others, their concern over “ political and economic pressures that have been exerted by the European Commission on African countries to initial Interim Economic Partnership Agreements” and over the impact of the current EPA negotiation process on regional integration. This follows strong statements that were made at the Lisbon Summit by some African Heads of States. The Assembly also welcomed EC President Barroso’s proposal to organize discussions on EPAs negotiations at the highest level. Also other organizations see the EPAs as a hostile to Africa’s Industrialization. Afro-flag Youth Vision and Oxfam International called upon African governments that are debating the progress of industrialization in the continent at the opening of the African Union (AU) assembly to act jointly and block the threat posed by the European Union’s (EU) Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). “The implementation of EPAs will have a critical negative impact on Africa’s industrial development and economic policies,” Abera Tola, a representative from Oxfam, said at the 10th ordinary session of heads of states and governments of the AU.
Decisions and Declarations (Assembly of the AU) – pdf
Decisions and Declarations (Executive Council)- pdf
