ISDS Case Map
EPAs
Economic Partnership Agreements between the EU and ACP countries (under the Cotonou Agreement)
A number of Namibian civil society organisations, as well as the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have supported the government’s decision not to sign the interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, amid concerns that it caused discord among Southern African Customs Union member States.
Recent reports in the media with regards to Namibia’s so-called “reluctance” to sign the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) have elevated the issue to a level that once again necessitates public debate on the merits of such a step.
Trade and Industry Minister Hannah Tetteh says Ghana will trade only in goods under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) – contrary to suggestions the country would also be trading in services.
New Era talked to four Members of the European Parliament regarding Europe’s position on the ongoing scramble for Africa’s riches.
The Inter-Professional Tuna Organisation (INTERATUN) warns that the European tuna fishing industry is in trouble if the European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council approves the EU-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement on Monday, 13 July
It seems the problems emanating from the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) are far from over, as SA and EU have started exchanging strong ‘words’.
Civil society is rallying behind Government in its decision to take on the European Commission, lobbying for support not to sign the interim economic partnership agreement until the EC puts agreed trade concessions on infant industry protection, food security, export taxes and free goods flow in writing.
The European Union does not have an offensive commercial interest in the Economic Partnership Agreement. Rather, it is part of its strategic plan and policy to capture the African market, the Special Adviser to the President of NEPAD has said.
Not only is the European Union (EU) uncomfortable with Namibia’s ambiguity on interim Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), but it is also concerned about the possibility of a legal challenge over Namibia’s access to duty-free quota free since last year.
The Ethiopian Government is debating whether to sign the EPA with the EU, as it has concerns about the effect it will have on its fragile industries. Research shows negative implications for women, agriculture and manufacturing.
