EU AND ACP STATES FORGE NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SAMOA AGREEMENT
Honorable Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa (Photo: Supplied)
In a historic move on November 15, 2023, the European Union (EU) and its Member States signed a groundbreaking Partnership Agreement with the Members of the Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS). This comprehensive accord, known as the "Samoa Agreement," is set to shape the diplomatic landscape for the next two decades, succeeding the longstanding Cotonou Agreement.
The Samoa Agreement, named after the picturesque island where the 46th session of the ACP-EU Council of Ministers convened, covers a broad spectrum of vital subjects. These include sustainable development, human rights, peace and security, reflecting a commitment to addressing global challenges collectively. The agreement sets forth common principles and establishes three regional protocols tailored for Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each region.
This accord brings together 27 EU member states and 79 ACP countries, representing over 2 billion people and more than half of the seats at the United Nations. It signifies a departure from traditional diplomatic paradigms, emphasising win-win partnerships that align with the pressing needs of the contemporary world. The Samoa Agreement positions the Parties to collaboratively tackle emerging challenges such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, and peace and security.
The provisional application of the Samoa Agreement is slated to commence on January 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in international cooperation. The agreement will officially enter into force upon consent by the European Parliament and ratification by all EU Member States and at least two-thirds of the OACPS Members.
The historical significance of this agreement is underscored by its role in revitalising the ACP-EU partnership, one of the oldest and most extensive frameworks for cooperation between the EU and third countries. The Cotonou Agreement, the precursor to the Samoa Agreement, was signed in 2000, and negotiations for its successor commenced in September 2018. The Chief negotiators inked the new Agreement in April 2021, and the Council decision on the signature and provisional application was reached on July 20, 2023.
Notable figures, including High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Pilar Cancela Rodríguez, Secretary of State for International Cooperation of Spain, have lauded the Samoa Agreement as a landmark for EU's external relations. Borrell emphasised the importance of moving away from old paradigms, expressing optimism about the collective commitment to address global challenges. Cancela Rodríguez highlighted the significance of the agreement during the Spanish Presidency of the Council, envisioning strengthened bilateral cooperation across various realms, from climate to peace and security, over the next two decades.
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, expressed satisfaction that the lengthy journey has culminated in the successful signing of the Samoa Agreement. She emphasised the modernised framework it provides for relations, signalling a united front against the challenges of our times. Urpilainen highlighted the ambitious investment packages launched under the Global Gateway across all three regions, underscoring the commitment to implement these packages in the coming years.
In a world facing unprecedented global challenges, the Samoa Agreement emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for large and diverse groups of countries to agree on concrete steps to deepen their partnerships for building a joint future. As the agreement takes effect, it holds the promise of fostering cooperation, dialogue, and coordinated action to navigate the complex issues of our times.