The EU-Africa summit held in Lisbon at the weekend concluded in a new mood of equality, yet disagreement,that will hopefully lead to a more durable political engagement between the two continents. There is substantial and welcome accord about a new set of principles to determine future dialogue on politics, security, economics, migration, humanitarian aid and human rights.
But the headline tension on trade issues correctly identified real problems facing vulnerable African states under pressure to open up domestic markets and pay higher EU tariffs if they do not sign interim economic partnership agreements (EPAs) this month. These agreements have become necessary because the World Trade Organisation has ruled that markets in African, Caribbean and Pacific states must be opened if these tariffs are to be lifted. So far 13 African states have signed interim agreements along these lines. The poorest ones are exempt, but some of the comparatively more developed states like Ghana and Namibia stand to lose out, as smaller industries and agriculture are not yet ready to withstand such competition.
EU foreign ministers refused yesterday to delay the deadline, despite the case made for a more flexible approach by Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. These states have signed a declaration on the subject, hoping this will influence the EU summit later this week. The case for a more sensitive treatment of vulnerable economies is strong and should be a test of the new arrangements between the EU and the African Union. This is all the more necessary given the trenchant views expressed by some African leaders at the summit and the criticisms made by NGO experts that the EPAs are unfair.
Similar headline disagreements occurred on Zimbabwe's human rights record and the presence of its leader Robert Mugabe at the summit. Except for the UK all the EU member states felt it was better to attend the summit and make their case there; the African side resents such criticisms from former colonial powers and insists it is being dealt with. As the restructured relationship develops it should become easier to put human rights violations on the agenda, along with other running legal and governmental issues.
China's growing economic and political activism in Africa has stimulated the EU to do more to secure its interests and protect its access. This gives African states a new leverage in negotiations like these, in that they can now contrast the ease and unconditionality of the Chinese with European delay and prevarication.