Beyond Market Access for Economic Development EU–Africa relations in transition

The Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries have drastically restructured Europe’s trade architecture towards the third world. Why have Europe and Africa pursued such a broad trade agenda? How can these ambitious negotiations stimulate development in Africa, and how have they been addressed in the EPAs? Are the ‘light version EPAs’ as they currently stand a missed chance, or a blessing in disguise? This volume examines the consequences of EPAs for development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Starting from the observation that free trade as such will not substantially impact upon economic development in Africa, the different contributors focus on the potential contribution of non-traditional aspects of EPAs. More specifically, the authors analyse the role ‘new’ trade issues in Europe’s relations with the ACP, such as Aid for Trade schemes, competition and investment rules, provisions on services, intellectual property rights and broader foreign policy considerations such as human rights, labour standards, sustainable development and security. The book also discusses the ongoing Doha Development Agenda of the World Trade Organization, the current reform of Europe’s agricultural markets, Europe’s evolving economic and the general question of Europe’s role as a development-friendly actor on the international scene