The EU mandate is approved

EU Foreign Ministers adopted the Commission's guidelines for the forthcoming ACP-EU trade negotiations on June 17th 2002. In a press release announcing Ministerial endorsement of the mandate, the Commission maintained that EPA negotiations will broaden trade co-operation with the ACP by 'tackling non-tariff barriers to trade, strengthening regional trade integration and enhancing the competitiveness of ACP economies through a comprehensive package of aid and trade measures'. Commissioner Nielsen maintained that EPAs would extend the 'fight against the fragmentation of the markets and economies of developing countries', which 'discourages investment and hinders trade'. The Commission highlighted 'the ambitious time frame' for negotiations and the 'flexibility' to respond to 'the differing needs and conditions within each ACP country or region'. It identified a number of key elements in its negotiating strategy, namely: enhanced market access for EU or ACP exports; gradual and managed liberalisation of ACP economies; support for regional integration; encouragement of more beneficial investment; discussions on trade in services; adoption of a comprehensive approach linking trade and development co-operation.EU Foreign Ministers adopted the Commission's guidelines for the forthcoming..