MEPs want a solid multi-stakeholder framework for the future of EU-ACP relations

Many MEPs stick to the messages promoted by PLATFORMA, especially on an enhanced participation of local and regional governments for improved governance and democracy – one of the main objectives of the Partnership Agreement.

In particular, following the recommendations of PLATFORMA and its members, MEPs tabled amendments calling for the involvement of local and regional governments (LRGs) in the programming, follow-up and evaluation processes of the new framework. 26 of the 214 amendments tabled by MEPs were reinforcing the report, cal for a strengthened and effective participation of LRGs.

PLATFORMA trusts this trend will be confirmed by the amendments adopted and the final Committee vote. The vote in Plenary is scheduled for October.

The first draft report already mentioned the importance of local and regional governments within the EU-ACP cooperation framework, while emphasizing that the EU-ACP Partnership has so far failed to properly involve LRGs in the political debates. Moreover, it equally failed to build on LRGs added value as development actors in ACP countries.

During the same meeting of the DEVE committee, MEPs will also have the opportunity  to exchange with Koen Doens, Director for development coordination east and southern Africa at DG DEVCO, European Commission, on the Evaluation of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The evaluation report (issued in July by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign affairs and Security policy Federica Mogherini), worryingly does not address the involvement of local and regional governments in the Partnership Agreement so far.

Other main issues still discussed between the EU institutions are the questions of the budgeting of the European Development Fund (EDF), the role of existing regional organisations, or the binding nature of the agreement.