The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) which was held in Prague from 4 to 9 April, adopted a resolution on Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The resolution called for increased flexibility in negotiations, additional aid for trade and improved parliamentary scrutiny. It also noted that EPAs must be instruments for promoting sustainable development, regional integration, and reducing poverty in the ACP states.

In her speech to the JPA on 8 April, Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton argued that EPAs represent a development opportunity for ACP countries. EPAs mean partnership between equal parties, Ashton said. "We won't pressure anyone to sign anything", she insisted. However, she also expressed her wish that an agreement acceptable for every party would be reached quickly and that all interim EPAs would be signed before the end of the current Commission in October 2009.

Ashton also recognised the need for greater flexibility in the negotiations and reassured ACP countries that their needs and concerns would be addressed. "We will try to ensure that the agreement is secure for the future but also flexible to recognize change in partnership" she said.

Some ACP parliamentarians remained sceptical about Ashton's reassurances. "You are so consoling, you make me feel like signing tomorrow", said Netty Baldeh (Gambia) "If only it were that easy", he added.

Parliamentarians also stressed the importance of parliamentary control in EPA negotiations and implementation. "Regional EPAs should include a clause stipulating that national parliaments must ratify them" said Assarid Ag Imbarcaouane (Mali).

Sources:

• Eurostep
• http://www.europarl.europa.eu/intcoop/acp/60_17/pdf/economique_en.pdf