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New Partnership Agreement: OACPS and EU Make Samoa Agreement a Reality
The Members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States have signed a new Partnership Agreement with the European Union (EU) and its Member States, establishing an overarching legal framework for their relations over the next twenty years. Signed in Samoa on 15 November 2023, the new agreement, known as the “Samoa Agreement”, covers subjects such as sustainable development, growth, human rights, and peace and security.
OACPS Secretary-General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti recalled that at the heart of the OACPS-EU partnership agreement lies the strong view that true development progress for ACP member states lies in their collaboration and collective efforts. He stressed the role of the Samoa Agreement in reinvigorating the longstanding partnership between the OACPS and the EU, promoting sustainability and resilience.
The Samoa Agreement signifies the commitment of both the OACPS and the EU to addressing global challenges, promoting economic growth, and fostering sustainability. It underlines the importance of sustainable development and the responsible use and conservation of natural resources.
More specifically, it lays down common principles and covers the following priority areas:
- human rights, democracy, and governance,
- peace and security,
- human and social development,
- inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development,
- environmental sustainability and climate change, and
- migration and mobility.
The 27 EU member states and the 79 ACP countries together represent around 2 billion people and more than half of the seats at the United Nations. With this new Agreement, the Parties will be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.
Regarding the next steps, the provisional application of the Agreement will commence on 1 January 2024.
The Agreement will enter into force upon consent by the European Parliament and ratification by the Parties, i.e. all EU Member States and at least two thirds of the OACPS Members.
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