Post Cotonou Agreement 2021
The post-Cotonou Agreement 2021: What You Need to Know
On January 1, 2021, a historic event occurred in the world of international relations. The post-Cotonou Agreement, which outlines the terms of cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP) for the next 20 years, came into effect.
The original Cotonou Agreement was signed in 2000 and expired in February 2020. The new agreement, negotiated over the course of five years, seeks to address the changing dynamics of the global landscape and reflect the evolving priorities of the EU and ACP countries.
Here are some key features of the post-Cotonou Agreement 2021:
1. Focus on development: The new agreement places a strong emphasis on development, with the EU committing to provide at least 75 billion euros in development assistance to ACP countries over the next seven years. This funding will prioritize areas such as education, health, and infrastructure.
2. Gender equality: The post-Cotonou Agreement places a greater emphasis on gender equality than its predecessor. It recognizes that advancing gender equality is crucial to achieving sustainable development and includes measures to promote women`s empowerment and address gender-based violence.
3. Climate change: The agreement acknowledges the urgent need to address climate change and includes provisions for increased cooperation on climate action and natural resource management.
4. Migration: Recognizing the challenges posed by migration, the agreement includes provisions for cooperation on migration and mobility, including improving legal pathways for migration and combating human trafficking.
5. Trade: The agreement includes provisions for cooperation on trade, including support for ACP countries to negotiate and implement trade agreements with the EU and other partners.
Overall, the post-Cotonou Agreement 2021 represents a significant step forward in EU-ACP relations. It recognizes the importance of addressing development challenges, promoting gender equality, addressing climate change, and addressing migration. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, this agreement provides a roadmap for cooperation and collaboration between the EU and ACP countries in the years to come.