The European Union and the Cotonou Partnership Agreement

Abstract

This paper examines the important relationship that exists between the European Union and the group of countries from the African, Caribbean and Pacific Island regions. By creating preferential trade deals and becoming the major contributor to international development, the European Union has sought to assist poorer states within these regions to develop into wealthier and more advanced economies. The European Union has done this through a series of international agreements, most recently through the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.

The Cotonou Partnership Agreement has a number of objectives; not only to provide financial aid and developmental assistance, but also to enhance and promote democracy, the rule of law, and human rights within member countries. Through mechanisms established under Treaty law, the parties to the Cotonou Partnership Agreement have been able to monitor and review the effective provision of development aid during the life of the Agreement. The Cotonou Partnership Agreement is a 20-year agreement that has built in five-yearly review procedures, and 2015 signals the third and final review. This final review will determine where the Agreement has succeeded and where it has failed, and it will identify areas in need of improvement to ensure maximum benefit for all parties during the remainder of its term.

By taking a qualitative approach, this paper will argue that the Cotonou Partnership Agreement provides a model for future international relations based on democratic principles such as accountability and transparency.