A Pivotal Year at a Time of Consolidation

A pivotal year at a time of consolidation

Activities of the Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and Paciﬁc Group of States in 2012 and future perpectives This brochure is a publication of the Secretariat of the $IULFDQ&DULEEHDQ3DFLŵF*URXSRI6WDWHV ACP General Secretariat 451, av. Georges Henri / 1200 Brussels Belgium Telephone: 00 32 2 743 06 00 wwww.acp.intww.acp.int / [email protected]@acp.intt / [email protected] above : ACP Council of Ministers, Port Vila, Vanuatu, June 2012 PPartialartial or total reproduction of this brochure is authorized cover : Burundi, Public Awareness campaign on the ssubjectubject to mentioning the ssource.o protection of citizen rights Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

Contents

Foreword by the Secretary General H. E. Alhaji Muhammad MUMUNI ...... p.04 1. Introduction 2012 A Pivotal Year in the History of the Group ...... p.06 2. The ACP Group. Finding strength in unity ...... p.10 3. Towards an equitable world and a sustainable economy ...... p.12 4. A steadfast commitment to environmental protection ...... p.16 5. Expanding the effects of aid ...... p.18 6. ACP countries taking ownership of their wealth ...... p.22 7. Promoting happiness — Empowering all ACP citizens and defending their rights ...... p.24 8. Promoting bold, successful ACP entrepreneurship ...... p.28 9. The ACP Secretariat: Organizing, Assembling, Unifying, Defending ...... p.30 10. Future Perspectives ...... p.32 11. ACP Maps ...... p.34 Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

ForewordForewo by the Secretary General H. E. AAlhaji Muhammad MUMUNI 2012 Banking on the future for a second time

hortly before the start of Then, there is the so-called 4 S 1975, when three groups JOREDOȴQDQFLDODQGHFRQRPLF of States that were sepa- crisis which began in 2008 and rately negotiating cooperation has caused our main partner agreements with the European to limit, if not reduce, its devel- Commission decided to come opment aid. Doubt has arisen together to strengthen their about the future of ACP-EU position and to adopt a charter cooperation beyond 2020. And - the Georgetown Agreement the ACP States have certainly - this was a bold venture for been apprehensive. However, the future. It was moreovereover a 2012 was a year for expres- question of trusting inn them-them- sing faith in the future. The selves and their capacityacity to most edifying symbol was the overcome the temptationtion of success of the Summit of the isolationism. Heads of State held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, at the end Despite ups and downs,s, tthishis sosolidaritylidarity hahas RIWKH\HDUZKHUHWKH$&3OHDGHUVDɟUPHG lasted and, instead of diminishing with their determination to forge a degree of the enlargement of the Group, has become autonomy for the ACP Group through con- stronger and broadened its scope of action. crete, enhanced intra-ACP cooperation, a Cooperation between the two parties is no PRUHHɟFLHQW$&3(8SDUWQHUVKLSDQGUH- longer limited to development aid; it in- ceptiveness to other partners, particularly creasingly concerns political consultation the BRICS 1. in international organizations.

1 Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

A “minor” victory over the recession An agenda based on well-grounded optimism 5 )URPWKHHQGRIȴQDQFLDODQDO\VWVFRQ- sidered that the regions of the ACP Group All of these elements no doubt contributed had weathered the crisis pretty well. For ex- to the thinking of the ACP Heads of States ample, a specialist like Jacques Attali noted who met at the end of 2012, and chose that Africa was posting a growth rate of more well-grounded, realistic optimism based than 5% because the continent has largely on the Group’s potential in establishing an adopted the rules of economic governance. agenda that they asked the organs of the The World Bank observed that extreme pov- Group to execute. erty is diminishing on the continent. Michel Camdessus 1, former director of the IMF had A new ACP organ, the “Eminent Persons already declared in 2011 “After a vigorous Group” was created by a decision of the recovery and without having a negative ef- Heads of State, to advise the Group during fect on growth, unlike the rest of the world, the anticipated transition. The Chairman, Africa is again at 5.5% and has every poten- former president of Nigeria, Chief tial to do better. It may know the experience Olusegun Obasanjo, after declaring on the that China underwent 30 years ago and India day of his investiture that “we must re- two years ago.” One could add that extreme invent our group” because the Group has poverty has decreased in Africa according to no other choice but to go forward, para- :RUOG %DQN ȴJXUHV SXEOLVKHG LQ 7KH phrased Hamlet when he said: “The world other ACP regions have also withstood the is off kilter. Too bad I’m the one who has recession well. The Caribbean, for example, been asked to put it back on course”. And boasts an average growth rate of more than he concluded: “That’s our job”. DFFRUGLQJWRȴJXUHVSXEOLVKHGLQ

1 Quoted by Christophe Boisbouvier (RFI) Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

Introduction – 2012 A pivotal year in the history of the group

TheThe greatg renewal effort Development Bank, free-trade agreements) that represents an opportunity for eco- heh last Summit of the ACP Heads of nomic growth given the potential wealth of T StateS and Government in Malabo, the ACP, not only in terms of basic “strate- Equatorial Guinea, in December 2012 gic” products, which are still considerably conducted a profound analysis of the global underexploited, but also from a human ȴQDQFLDODQGPRQHWDU\FULVLVDQGSDUWLFX- standpoint. larly of the situation in ACP countries. It noted that the crisis has affected all conti- The kick-off for the new position of the nents and all economies, Europe and the ACP on the international scene was giv- United States being particularly hard hit, en in November 2010 when the Council of with Asia and the emerging countries and Ministers began to assess the perspectives several ACP countries more moderately so. for the future of the ACP Group after the 6 Cotonou Agreement, which binds it to the Despite — or because of — this particular European Union, expires in 2020. Their context, 2012 will remain the year of a new work was approved by the 7th Summit departure for the ACP, when the Group as- of the Heads of State and Government in sessed the extent of transformations in the 0DODERZKLFKRɟFLDOO\ODXQFKHGWKHJUHDW world and decided that moving forward to renewal by deciding to set up a Group of better respond to Eminent Persons which has been asked the new reality was to present proposals in 2014. This group, This reorientation crucial. This reality consisting of 14 highly-distinguished per- represents a of course includes VRQDOLWLHVZDVRɟFLDOO\LQDXJXUDWHGDWDQ our traditional extraordinary Council meeting in Brussels fantastic opportunity SDUWQHUVȇ ȴQDQFLDO on 25-26 March 2013. GLɟFXOWLHVEXWDOVR for economic the interest that the ACP countries The ACP Group, connecting blocks development have sparked in new potential part- The ACP Group, which comprises 79 ners, institutions or countries from Africa, the Caribbean countries, including DQG WKH 3DFLȴF EULQJV WRJHWKHU VXE some of the BRICS 6DKDUDQ &DULEEHDQ DQG 3DFLȴF 1. One indication is the increase in the States with a shared vision. It establishes a number of ACP embassies in China. This link between the populations of the zones reorientation is also visible in the growing and continents that make up the Group. It interest in developing more cooperation works to promote diversity and tolerance between ACP States (a proposal for an ACP among peoples of different races and reli- gions. All of this represents a considerable 1 Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa asset. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

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This is why the ACP political authorities ACP - EU Cotonou Agreement. have emphasized the urgency of foster- Sticking to the spirit and the letter of ing greater South-South cooperation and the text developing triangular cooperation as an engine of growth. The memorandum of un- The Cotonou Agreement, which binds 7 derstanding on South-South cooperation the 79 ACP countries and the 27 Member between the ACP Group and Brazil is an States of the European Union, is based on illustration of this. Brazil has cooperation three pillars: political dialogue, trade and SURMHFWVLQVHYHUDO$&36WDWHVLQWKHȴHOGV GHYHORSPHQW ȴQDQFLQJ FRRSHUDWLRQ ,W LV of agriculture, health, education and bio- managed jointly by the ACP Secretariat and energy, and it offers training programmes the European Commission. Financial co- in high-level Brazilian institutions. operation, organized through the European 'HYHORSPHQW )XQG (') KDV D ȴQDQFLDO This policy also took concrete form with framework (10th EDF) of € 21,966 million the organization in 2011 of a sympo- for 2008-2013. sium on the theme Enhancing South- South Cooperation: Challenges and In November 2012, the Commission Opportunities for the ACP Group which launched procedures for programming was attended by representatives of the the 11th EDF and for the Development ACP Group, Brazil, India, Cuba, Nigeria, Cooperation Instrument (DCI) for 2014-2020, South Africa, the European Commission, on the basis of the “Agenda for Change” the United Nations Programme for adopted by the EU in May 2012. The Agenda Development, the Organization of UHGHȴQHV(8GHYHORSPHQWDLGSROLF\ZKLFK Portuguese-speaking countries and the will focus on the 48 least developed coun- Commonwealth. The Fourth High Level tries (LDC), almost all of which are found Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan in sub-Saharan Africa. Emphasis is on im- (Korea) in December 2011, including the proving governance and social protection in “Declaration on Partnership” approved by the LDCs while supporting agriculture and the ACP Council in December 2012, is yet broadening access to energy to stimulate another good example. growth. In addition, it is clear that, given WKH(8PXOWLDQQXDOȴQDQFLDOIUDPHZRUNIRU Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

2014-2020, which is now being negotiated, In addition to the slow pace of the process, the budget allocated to development will be WKH 6LSRSR 'HFODUDWLRQ LGHQWLȴHV VHYHUDO reduced. contentious issues that limit the ACP States’ room for manoeuvre or jeopardize the bal- Principal innova- ance of rights and obligations within the tion: the “differen- EPAs. In addition, establishing different EU/ 7KH$&3*URXS tiated” approach ACP trade regimes in the various regions to aid modalities carries a risk of fragmenting the ACP Group asked the EU not and partnerships although one of the major objectives of the proposed by the EPAs is to help strengthen the integration to take unilateral Commission. Aid process within the Group. measures provided in the form of grants will “detrimental to the no longer form The Joint Parliamentary Assembly part of cooperation interests of ACP with the most ad- In 2012, the Joint Parliamentary Assembly vanced developing (JPA) which brings together EU representa- States”. countries. For some, tives (Members of the European Parliament) this may mean re- DQG HOHFWHG RɟFLDOV RI WKH $&3 0HPEHU duction, or even States twice a year in plenary session, al- abolition, of grants, ternately in an ACP country and in an 8 to be replaced by loans, mobilization of internal resources and support for trilateral cooperation. In other words, this differentiation will no longer be applied to the distribution of funds among national indicative programmes (amounts allocated to each country) but to access WR ȴQDQFLQJ 7KLV DSSURDFK LV D VRXUFH RI concern for the ACP States which consider that this differentiation runs counter to the assurances given by the EU in the second phase of the negotiations of the Cotonou Agreement. For this reason, at the EU-ACP Council session in June 2012, they asked the EU not to take unilateral measures “detrimental to the interests of ACP States”, and to stick to the legal framework of the Cotonou Agreement for the 11th EDF.

Necessary adjustments for sound Economic Partnership Agreements

As far as the ACP Group is concerned, the negotiations engaged in by the EU to conclude Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) 6XULQDPH3DUOLDPHQW3DUDPDULERKRVWFLW\RIWKHWK$&3(8 with the ACP countries are not satisfactory. -RLQW3DUOLDPHQWDU\$VVHPEO\1RYHPEHU Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

EU Member State, took place in Horsens Broadening horizons while (Denmark), in May and in Paramaribo consolidating a privileged partnership (Suriname), in November. On these occa- with the EU sions, the JPA adopted a position, among other things, on the situation in Somalia, The last Summit of the ACP Heads of State in Mali, and in the Great Lakes region, as announced the desire of the ACP Group to well as on more technical issues such as continue its privileged partnership with ICT-based entrepreneurship and its impact the European Union, while developing new on the development of ACP countries, or the relations with other poles. The world today importance of access to energy for sustain- is characterized by globalization. Political, able development and the achievement of economic, social and environmental issues the MDGs. are treated in a broader framework in which the ACP Group has its place. In this In addition to the two plenary sessions, spirit, it participates and concludes agree- two regional JPA meetings were held in ments either with other groups, or within Apia, Samoa, and in Lusaka, Zambia, re- the United Nations framework, on general VSHFWLYHO\ SOXV WZR IDFWȴQGLQJ PLVVLRQV development goals or more targeted objec- in Fiji and at the Common Research Centre tives such as development of the private in Ispra (Italy) along with meetings of the VHFWRURUWKHȴJKWDJDLQVWFOLPDWHFKDQJH Bureau and the parliamentary standing committees. This is particularly the case for the protocol signed on 10 May 2012 by the ACP Group 9 and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), by which both parties agreed to support regional integration and to contribute to sustainable development in the Member States by initiatives pertaining, inter alia, to trade, private sector development, renewable energies and climate change. The objective is to strengthen South-South cooperation and to bolster the achievement of the MDGs by sharing information and experiences.

Along the same lines, in September 2012 an ACP-EC delegation visited the UNDP International Centre for the Private Sector in Istanbul (IICPSD) where it met with representatives of Turkish institutions. The parties decided to enhance the role of the private sector in the development of the 40 least developed countries in the ACP regions, while emphasizing the increas- ingly important role played by the private sector and SMEs in ACP countries. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

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On the diplomatic battleﬁelds with its privileged partner the European Union, as well as with other developing coun- ith 79 Member States, the tries, was crucial for the defence of vital inte- W ACP Group is the largest rests of certain ACP countries, particularly intergovernmental, trans-regional banana- and sugar-producing countries. In organization of developing countries. This Cancun in 2003, and in Hong Kong in 2005, strength in numbers can serve to defend the ACP Group again fought tooth and nail the collective interests of countries, some and succeeded in safeguarding the interests of which are among the poorest in the of African cotton producers, particularly pre- world, by developing alliances on the venting the adoption of decisions that would international scene, with Europe, other have been very detrimental to them. developed regions, emerging countries or other developing nations. 'XULQJ WKH $&3 RUJDQV UHȴQHG WKHLU strategies and considered potential alliances An edifying example of the strength drawn for the next Ministerial Conference to take from the unity of the ACP Group is the inter- place in December 2013 in Bali, Indonesia. national trade negotiating forum at the World A recent ACP study points to very unfa- Trade Organization. In 2001, at the WTO vourable terms for developing countries ministerial conference in Doha, the sheer which will require them to establish a tough numbers of the ACP Group and its alliance strategy. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

In international institutions Strengthening intra-ACP Cooperation

In many other institutions where isolated In 2008, the ACP Heads of State and developing countries have trouble defend- Government considered it necessary to ing their interests, the ACP Group helps strengthen intra-ACP trade cooperation them or acts on their behalf. DQG ODXQFKHG UHȵHFWLRQV RQ WKH SRVVL- bility of creating an All-ACP free-trade This was particularly the case at the area. It then decided Fourth United Nations Conference on Least to create a free-trade “ Promoting the Developed Countries (LDC) in Istanbul area bringing togeth- (May 2011), the United Nations Conference er COMESA (Common collective cause on Sustainable Development RIO+20 in Rio Market for Eastern de Janeiro (June 2012) or the Conferences of and Southern Africa), of some of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on SADC (Southern 11 Climate Change (UNCCC) in Doha in 2012, African Development poorest countries after Copenhagen (2009), Cancun (2010) Community) and the in the world, by and Durban (2011). EAC (East African Community) includ- establishing vital ing Kenya, Uganda, Vis-à-vis its partners: expertise and Tanzania, Rwanda alliances on the cohesion and Burundi by 2014, and a continen- international The negotiations under the Cotonou tal-wide free-trade scene “. Agreement take place in an atmosphere area in Africa by that is very different from those of the in- 2017. ternational institutions mentioned above, EXW WKH\ DUH QRW OHVV GLɟFXOW WR FRQGXFW In December 2012, without special expertise and without the ACP States de- cohesion. This expertise is provided by the cided to continue along this path and to ACP General Secretariat to be used for the explore the feasibility of an All-ACP trade Group’s political institutions. And cohe- agreement, and the setting-up of regional, sion is what unites the Member States of inter-ACP arrangements or mechanisms the Group. Both are an asset for negotiat- to facilitate and promote trade, economic ing with the European Union, not just on cooperation and integration among ACP the use of aid, but also on more sensitive countries. They also decided to continue questions such as the ACP-EU Dialogue on work on the creation of an ACP trade and Migration. investment bank. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

$JULFXOWXUHDLG$&3(83URJUDPPH)RUDVXVWDLQDEOHKRUWLFXOWXUHWUDGH 12 Towards an equitable world and a sustainable economy

The ACP Group, advocating for a renewed their political commitment in sustainable economy in international favour of sustainable development and a fora JUHHQHFRQRP\7KH\DOVRFRQȴUPHGWKHLU determination to create an institutional t the United Nations Conference on framework and a framework for action A Sustainable Development RIO+20 for sustainable development to continue in June 2012, the ACP countries the intergovernmental process intended stressed the need for a more sustainable to concretise the Sustainable Development world to be defended at all levels and in Objectives (SDO), to facilitate mobilization all institutions. They were pleased to note RI UHVRXUFHV LQ WKLV ȴHOG DQG WR GHYHORS that the Conference took account of many a mechanism to simplify technology of their concerns and that the Parties transfers. The Conference also emphasized Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

the importance of building capacities in sustainable development and the role of the United Nations Environment Programme A helping hand for ACP States (UNEP) as a worldwide authority re- FRJQL]HGLQWKHHQYLURQPHQWDOȴHOG The WTO, its mechanisms and procedures are hard to understand. To help the ACP Sustainable development is also what ACP countries to navigate them, the EU has set up countries advocate in the World Trade a programme called “ACP-MTS”. It provides Organization (WTO). The ACP Group, and coordinates technical assistance to ACP with other developing countries, defends countries to develop and consolidate their the principle of the single undertaking capacity to negotiate and implement the WTO (“Nothing is agreed until everything is agreements, to access to the accession pro- agreed”), in other words, no partial agree- cess and to improve their capacity to use the ment can mark the end of negotiations of Organization’s legal framework. the Doha Round. They feel that this principle is the only guarantee that all the The EU has also funded the creation of other questions included in the Doha terms of programmes such as PIP and EDES (also see reference will be addressed. At the heart Topics 4 and 7) which target capacity-build- of the negotiations: facilitating trade, agri- ing for ACP States and regions to comply with culture and development issues. sanitary and phytosanitary standards and to norms pertaining to technical barriers to The WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali trade (WTO/TBT). These programmes should (December 2013) seems to be a natural DOVRKHOSWKHPLQȵXHQFHGHFLVLRQVWDNHQE\ timeline, or even a deadline, for concluding the international community, and to take 13 an agreement. However, as emphasized by SDUWLQWKHGHȴQLWLRQDQGVPRRWKLPSOHPHQ- the ACP Group this kind of deadline hinders tation of these standards. negotiations more than it promotes them. The Group holds the view that the other development issues included on the Doha agenda must be settled at the same time as agreements on trade facilitation if a balanced result is to be achieved.

United to be stronger

You need to have clout and to speak in a single voice to be a force in the global economic system. With this in mind, the ACP Group has decided to strengthen its ties beyond the intra-ACP actions funded by the EU and to create its own free-trade areas. $ȴUVW]RQHFRPSULVLQJ&20(6$($&DQG SADC, should see the light by 2014 and a second, a continent-wide zone in Africa, is planned for 2017. In the meantime, the ACP States can carry out trade promotion activities between regions by concluding )LVKLQJ7KLHV6HQHJDO7KH$&38(SURJUDPVVXSSRUW preferential trade arrangements in order VPDOOVFDOHSURGXFHUV to enhance intra-ACP trade. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

EPA ACP/EU: Mixed assessment suspension of customs duties for certain imports from third countries in competi- Moreover, negotiations on the regional tion with ACP products. These have led to economic partnership agreements (EPA) the desire of the ACP Group to restructure with the EU have come up against many its trade relations with Europe and with GLɟFXOWLHV DQG DUH QRW SURJUHVVLQJ IDVW other countries on a healthier basis. enough to achieve the target objectives that include sustainable development, re- Threat to agricultural products gional integration, economic growth and improvement of the competitiveness of Many changes have been made to the con- ACP countries. CARIFORUM (Caribbean) is ditions for access to the EU market for the only ACP region to have concluded a agricultural commodities. By and large, they full EPA but its implementation is having stem from the increased number of negotia- trouble getting off the ground. Generally tions of free-trade agreements between the speaking, the ACP Council is “dismayed” at EU and other States or regional groups to certain Commission EPA-related initiatives, which new concessions are offered, there- and regrets the Commission’s efforts to in- by reducing the preferential margins of troduce new issues ACP countries. Provisions stipulated by the such as geographic Cotonou Agreement have been activated to 14 The ACP Council data, public pro- soften the impact and support mechanisms curement contracts, have been put in place to ensure long-term is “dismayed” at ȴVFDO JRYHUQDQFH viability of the sectors affected, such as the certain Commission or its proposal to ex- accompaniment programme for the former clude countries that signatories of the Sugar Protocol and for EPA-related have not signed and ACP banana producers, as well as the pro- UDWLȴHGDQ(3$E\D gramme envisaged for cotton. initiatives given date (in 2014) from advantages as- The ACP Group is now closely monitoring sociated with free the reform of the EU common agricultural access to the EU SROLF\ &$3 ZKLFKZLOOKDYHDVLJQLȴFDQW market. impact on ACP exports, particularly sugar and cotton. The Group is also concerned by Other new meas- WKH PRGLȴFDWLRQ RI FHUWDLQ SK\WRVDQLWDU\ ures adopted by the rules such as those imposed on cocoa and EU have a negative NDYD7KH*URXSFRQVLGHUVȊXQMXVWLȴHGȋWKH impact on EU/ACP ban on imports of kava-based products im- relations. For exam- SRVHGE\FHUWDLQ(80HPEHU6WDWHV3DFLȴF ple, the conclusion countries, particularly those affected by of bilateral agreements between the EU and this ban, are continuing bilateral negotia- third countries in competition with ACP WLRQVLQRUGHUWRȴQGDVROXWLRQDQGKDYH States, which lead to an erosion of the EPA- ordered studies to examine the question UHODWHGEHQHȴWVDQGFRXOGQHJDWLYHO\DIIHFW IURP WKH OHJDO VFLHQWLȴF DQG FRPPHUFLDO ACP exports to the EU. There is also the standpoint. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

%DQDQDSODQWDWLRQ6XULQDPH7KH$&3ŵQGZRUU\LQJE\ VRPHLQLWLDWLYHVWDNHQE\WKH(8&RPPLVVLRQZKLFKFRXOG represent a threat to the ACP food products

15 A steadfast commitment to environmental protection

everal projects jointly managed by that will enable African countries to meet S the ACP Secretariat with the EU con- their international obligations in the envi- cern environmental protection, but URQPHQWDOȴHOG most of them link this issue with other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as poverty reduction, health, and ac- “Healthy” exports 16 cess to water and to education. In this context, there are 7 projects falling under the The EU is increasing the number of food ACP-EU Water Facility, 12 capacity-building safety standards. The PIP programme projects associated with multilateral envi- (Pesticides Initiative) helps ACP companies ronmental agreements, 14 projects under comply with these requirements and those the ACP-FLEGT Programme for sustainable concerning product traceability, and it con- forestry management, and 13 projects un- solidates the place of small farmers in the der the framework of environment moni- ACP horticultural export sector. A second toring in Africa. programme, EDES, helps them reinforce their food safety policies by supporting them in drafting a policy to ensure food Satellites serving the environment safety and in setting up customised information, training and control systems. The African monitoring of the environment for sustainable development $VSDUWRIWKHȴJKWDJDLQVWWKHLOOHJDOOXP- (AMESD) programme uses technologies and ber trade, the ACP-FLEGT programme data from land observations of the weather helps ACP operators implement the EU ac- to monitor the environment and the climate. tion plan for sustainable forestry manage- It aims to improve access to these data and ment (application of forestry regulations to the infrastructure, and to local capacities on governance and trade). The FORENET and services that are indispensable for long- programme, focusing primarily on re- term monitoring of the environment. It sup- search, supports the networking of forest- ports the creation of regional information ry research organizations in certain ACP services that are needed to take decisions, countries, and the development of effective as well as the creation of processes, frame- management tools for sustainable forest- works and specialized training programmes ry management (developing criteria and at national, regional and continental level indicators). Burundi landscape. ACP, involved in the Finally, since prevention is better than cure, protection of environment the EU-ACP natural disaster risk reduction (NDRR) programme, managed by the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR), deals with identifying and analy- Reducing the impact of climate change zing risks, setting up early warning systems and including disaster prevention in the To help ACP regions and countries combat post-disaster reconstruction phase. climate change, the Global Climate Change $OOLDQFH SURYLGHV WKHP ZLWK ERWK ȴQDQ- cial and technical solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Three information sessions were organised in WR SUHVHQW WKH PDMRU ȴQDQFLDO LQ- struments: Adaptation Funds (AF), Least Developed Countries (LDC Fund), Special Climate Change Funds (SCCF), Special Allocation Fund for the Global Climate Facility, REDD+ mechanism (reduction of emissions caused by forestry activities), Clean Technologies Fund, the Pilot Programme against Climate Change (PPAC), Programme for large scale valor- ization of renewable energies in low income countries. 3RUWDX3ULQFH+DLWL$IWHUWKHHDUWKTXDNH

Funding for the environment

Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEA) € 21.45 million (2009-2013) Monitoring the environment in Africa € 21 m. (2008-2013) Food safety (PIP) € 32,5 m. (2008-2014) Food safety (EDES) € 29,5 m. (2010-2014) Forests (FLEGT + FORENET) € 16 m. (2008-2012) Climate action € 40 m. (2010-2017) Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

Expanding the effects of aid

Aid should target capacity building the fund has a budget of € 22.682 billion, of and resource development which € 21.966 billion are reserved for ACP countries (97 % of the total). This amount owever important development aid LV WR EH VKDUHG EHWZHHQ ȴQDQFLQJ QDWLRQ- H may be, it can only enable a country al and regional indicative programmes to develop if it is designed to build (€ 17.766 billion or 81% of the total), fund- capacity and, by extension, to develop re- ing intra-ACP and inter-regional cooper- sources. As the main partner of the ACP DWLRQ ȜELOOLRQRU DQGȴQDQFLQJ Group, the European Union has set up a investment facilities (€ 1.5 billion or 7 %). ȴQDQFLDOLQVWUXPHQWIRUGHYHORSPHQWFRRS- eration, the European Development Fund In the negotiations with the European (EDF). For the period 2008-2013 (10th EDF), Union for the 10th EDF and ongoing talks

.HQ\D+RPHJURZQSDFNKRXVH Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

The Council underscored the importance of the participation RI$&3*URXSLQ for the 11th EDF (2014-2020), the ACP States for management KDYHDOZD\VLQVLVWHGWKDWLQGHȴQLQJVWUDW- and projects. this new global egies, aid must shift from a “donor-ben- HȴFLDU\ȋ UHODWLRQVKLS WR D UHODWLRQVKLS By acknowledging partnership between partners. This is the case for EDF. the responsibility of partner countries The EDF is managed by the Secretariat which LQ WKH GHȴQLWLRQ RI provides advice to the management units their development strategies, EU aid has for the formulation and implementation of VKLIWHGIURPDȊGRQRUEHQHȴFLDU\ȋUHODWLRQ- programmes funded in this framework and ship to a relationship between “partners”. oversees compliance with the EDF rules and internationally recognised standards Innovative incentive mechanisms have also been introduced to facilitate adaptation to FKDQJLQJ FLUFXPVWDQFHV E\ GHȴQLQJ QHZ priorities for unallocated resources in the national and regional envelopes, by provid- 19 ing new solutions and strategies to respond to crises associated with sharp hikes in international food prices, by creating the V-FLEX mechanism to help the countries hardest hit by the slowdown in economic activity and by correcting the negative ef- IHFWVRIȵXFWXDWLQJH[SRUWHDUQLQJV

Development, not aid, is the most important aspect of development aid

In 2012, and again this year, discussions between the ACP authorities and those of the European Union focused, to a large extent, on the consequences for the ACP of the (8ȇV UHGHȴQLWLRQ RI LWV GHYHORSPHQW FRRS- eration policy, which is now based on the so-called principle of “differentiation”. The Commission is planning to allocate a larger share of funds to regions and countries that have the greatest needs, including fragile states. This aid will be supplemented by a combination of grants and loans. This is a source of concern to the ACP States which believe that the change could penalize Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

countries which have made a great effort framework. It involves partner govern- to achieve development and deserve to be ments, traditional donors, South-South encouraged. cooperators, the BRICS, and private GRQRUVDQGIRUWKHȴUVWWLPHFLYLOVRFLHW\ The ACP Group is consequently calling RUJDQL]DWLRQV DV IXOOȵHGJHG HTXDO SDU- 20 for suspension of any decision pending ticipants. Discussions focused on eight ȴQDO FRQVXOWDWLRQV ,Q WKH PHDQWLPH WKH WKHPHV FRQȵLFWV DQG IUDJLOLW\ 6RXWK ACP Secretariat has ordered a study on South cooperation; the private sector; the consequences of “differentiation” FOLPDWHȴQDQFLQJWUDQVSDUHQF\HIIHFWLYH from the Institut de Développement d’Ou- institutions and policies; mutual results tre-Mer (ODI) and the European Centre and responsibilities; managing diversity for Development Policies Management and reducing fragmentation of aid. During (ECDPM). The conclusions were present- WKLVVHVVLRQPDUNHGERWKE\WKHȴQDQFLDO ed to the ACP Committee of Ambassadors’ and economic crisis that is crippling many Subcommittee on Development Financing traditional donors, and the emergence of Cooperation (DFC) in October 2012. The new donors from emerging countries, the Commission, for its part, has ordered a ACP Group defended the principle of opti- study on the allocation criteria of the 11th mized, monitored aid to the poorest. EDF (ongoing). Discussions between the two parties will continue in 2013. On this basis, the ACP Council discussed South-South and triangular cooperation, the concept of development effectiveness, Boosting aid effectiveness: the Busan as well as the role and responsibility of the Conference private sector in development, and that of the ACP Group in the implementation of The ACP Council of December 2012 not- the Partnership. The Council underscored ed the outcome of the high-level forum the importance of participation of the on aid effectiveness (HLFN4), which ACP Group in this new global partnership took place in Busan (Republic of Korea, DQGWKHGHVLUHRIWKH*URXSWRKHOSGHȴQH 2011). The Busan Partnership for Effective the practical procedures and monitor- DevelDevelopment Cooperation which was ing of the implementation of the Busan aadopteddop there, is a multilateral agreement Partnership. An assessment of the pro- estaestablishingb a development cooperation visions on monitoring the commitments Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

made in Busan is planned for the end of a crucial role. In December 2012, the ACP 2015 or the beginning of 2016. The Council Council decided to support vaccination has instructed the Secretariat to explore for the papilloma virus and measles as a the possibility of becoming a member priority. It also underscored the need to of the steering committee for the Global HQVXUH VXɟFLHQW VXSSOLHV RI TXDOLW\ YDF- Partnership and of having the ACP coun- cines and to reduce the cost of vaccines for tries that are members of the Partnership GAVI and the countries concerned. 21 (Nigeria, Samoa, Chad and Timor-Leste) speak for the ACP Group in this forum. Transport. Africa is particularly vul- nerable because of its weakness in the transport sector. Two EDF-funded pro- Multiplier programmes JUDPPHV VSHFLȴFDOO\ WDUJHW WKLV ȴHOG 7KH ȴUVW FRQFHUQV DLU WUDQVSRUW DQG WKH To be effective, aid must propose com- application of satellite services. It aims to plete programmes, ranging from building harmonize regulations on air transport capacities and skills to contributing the safety at regional, national and continen- necessary technical resources and aid to tal level through training programmes, achieve concrete objectives. The following technical assistance, capacity building examples can be cited: and the supply of equipment for tests for the development of satellite services Science and Technology. The ACP (GNSS/EGNOS). The second programme Programme for Science and Technology concerns maritime transport. The ob- (ACP S&T), which aims to help ACP coun- jectives: improving capacity and the tries develop and implement science and regulatory framework for a continental technology policies with a view to reduc- and regional maritime transport policy. ing the gap between ACP countries and Emphasis is placed on improving mari- industrialized countries in the use of STI time administration and strengthening (sciences, technologies and innovations). the capacities of Coast Guard services in West and Central Africa and in the regu- Health. On health issues, the ACP coun- ODWRU\DQGVHFXULW\ȴHOGVIRUWKH+RUQRI WULHV KDYH EHQHȴWHG IURP SXEOLFSULYDWH Africa. partnerships in which the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

ACPACP countries takingk ownership of their wealth

n essential lever of lasting econom- encouraging the local private sector to A ic development and the eradication reinforce industrialization and diversi- of poverty is being able to control ȴFDWLRQRIWKHYDOXHFKDLQDQGE\LQLWLDW- domestic resources. ACP States possess re- ing high value-added projects, whether VRXUFHV0LQLQJDQGȴVKLQJUHVRXUFHVDUH these include metals, strategic minerals two examples with high development po- or low-value minerals such as building tential for which the Group has launched materials, stone and industrial minerals. new initiatives in 2012. 7KH 5RDGPDS LGHQWLȴHV VL[ SULRULWLHV UH- 22 inforcing institutional capacities, develop- LQJ H[SORUDWRU\ PLQLQJ JHRVFLHQWLȴF LQ- Boosting the mining sector formation systems, assessing the mineral potential of ACP countries, developing the To date, exploitation of mineral re- small-scale private sector and small and sources in ACP has been almost exclu- medium-sized mining operations, reduc- VLYHO\ ȴQDQFHG E\ IRUHLJQ LQYHVWPHQWV ing environmental and social effects of and managed by foreign consortiums mining, improving energy infrastructure and companies of varying sizes. Micro- and transport related to the mining indus- operations do exist, but most of them are try, improving mining-based industrializa- non-industrial and poorly organized. The tion and diversifying the economies of ACP sector also has major problems at the countries. social and environmental level, lacks infrastructure, and has trouble grappling To achieve these objectives, the combined with the complexity of the regulations. support of various national, regional and In addition, it is characterized by a lack LQWHUQDWLRQDO ȴQDQFLDO LQVWUXPHQWV ZLOO of planning and reliable data on mining be needed. With this in mind, the ACP potential, skilled labour, governance and Secretariat has applied for funding under an appropriate legislative framework. To the 10th EDF for an intra-ACP programme correct these shortcomings and boost local on actions to complete existing national development of the sector, in December and regional initiatives. 2012, the ACP Council adopted a roadmap and action plan on mineral resources. Towards sustainable ﬁshing Its objective: Maximizing the impact of mining production on social-economic ,Q -XQH WKH $&3 ȴVKLQJ PLQLVWULHV development of ACP countries by gave new impetus to the ministerial Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

/D'LJXH6H\FKHOOHV)LVKLQJ7RXUQDPHQW

ȴVKLQJ PHFKDQLVP IRU $&3 FRXQWULHV E\ At the same time, the ACP FISH II pro- DGRSWLQJ D ȴYH\HDU VWUDWHJLF gramme, that is part of intra-ACP coop- DFWLRQSODQ 6$3 WKDWLGHQWLȴHVȴYHSULRU- eration, aims to enhance management of LW\ȴHOGVRIDFWLRQ ȴVKLQJLQ$&3FRXQWULHVLQRUGHUWRHQVXUH 1) Effective management for sustainable VXVWDLQDEOHH[SORLWDWLRQRIȴVKUHVRXUFHV ȴVKLQJ Its objectives and the strategic priorities of 2) Promotion of optimal returns on the the SAP converge, particularly regarding WUDGHLQȴVKLQJSURGXFWV support for developing political and legal 3) Support to food security in ACP SROLFLHVRQJRYHUQDQFHRIȴVKLQJVXSSRUW countries; LQ ȴJKWLQJ LOOHJDO ȴVKLQJ ,11 PDQDJH- 4) Development of aquaculture; PHQW RI ȴVKLQJ ȵHHWV VPDOOVFDOH ȴVKLQJ 5) Preservation of the environment the development of aquaculture and the strengthening of regional cooperation 7KH $&3 ȴVKLQJ PHFKDQLVP KDV EHHQ WKURXJKVSHFLȴFVXSSRUWIRUUHJLRQDOȴVK- FKDUJHGZLWKȴQGLQJȴQDQFLQJV\VWHPVWR ing bodies and a dialogue with Regional implement this Plan. Economic Organizations. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives Promoting happiness - empowering all acp citizens and defending their rights

here can be no sustainable develop- Boosting economic development T ment without the defence and promotion of citizens’ rights. These rights, The ACP-EU aid programmes concern support like the alleviation of poverty, are includ- for the marketing of food products, training, ed in the Millennium Development Goals FXOWXUH DQG DFFHVV WR ȴQDQFLDO PHFKDQLVPV (MDGs) and are integrated into the policies in general or access and improvement of of the ACP States and the European Union. management in particular sectors such as In addition, the countries in the ACP Group water and energy. DUH VWLOO FRQIURQWHG ZLWK D FKURQLF GHȴFLW LQLQVWLWXWLRQDODQGȴQDQFLDODQGWHFKQLFDO Among these, the EDES programme aims capacities. Several programmes that were to improve the contribution of trade in implemented in 2012 aimed to overcome food products to poverty reduction in ACP this handicap. However, for the most part, countries, in all food sectors. It helps ACP 24 they focus on personal needs: capacity countries to strengthen their national and EXLOGLQJIRUIRRGVHFXULW\DFFHVVWRȴQDQFH regional food security policies by supporting water, energy, education and culture, as and setting up customised policies that are vi- well as respect for human rights. able and economically affordable for the ACP countries.

7KHȴQDQFLDOVFKHPHVDUHFRPSOH[DQGQX- merous: precisely targeted aid mechanisms are essential. The ACP-EU framework pro- Bujumbura, Burundi. JUDPPH IRU PLFURȴQDQFH LV RQH RI WKHVH ,WDLPVWRGHYHORSDQLQFOXVLYHȴQDQFLDOV\V- tem adapted to the needs of the poor in ACP countries. It is present in 48 ACP countries: 28 in sub-Saharan Africa, 13 in the Caribbean DQG LQ WKH 3DFLȴF 6HYHUDO VXESURJUDPV have been activated in this context includ- LQJWUDLQLQJLQPLFURȴQDQFH(Scholarships Boulder IFC ILO), subsidizing decentral- L]HG EDQNLQJ SURMHFWV ȴQDQFLDO OLWHUDF\ DQG OREE\LQJ IRU UHVSRQVLEOH ȴQDQFH LQ WKH 3DFLȴF ]RQH 3DFLȴF )LQDQFLDO ,QFOXVLRQ Programme or PFIP), developing the pri- YDWHVHFWRUDQGVXSSOLHVRIȴQDQFLDOVHUYLFHV to micro-businesses in the English-speaking Caribbean (CARIB-CAP II), providing a technical assistance facility in sub-Saharan Africa specialized in small projects for an average of € 47,000 (REGMIFA TE FUND). Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

The objective of the Edulink programme is to boost the effectiveness and impact of ACP-EU cooperation in higher education. It seeks to build institutional (administration) and academic (teaching, research and technologies) capacities of ACP countries, strengthen FRRSHUDWLRQLQWKHȴHOGRIKLJKHUHGXFDWLRQ and to develop networks among institutes of higher education in ACP regions and those of Sharing education and culture to serve the EU. EDULINK is supplemented by other EU development initiatives such as the ACP-EU Programme for Science and Technology, the Erasmus Mundus Education, professional training and Programme, the Intra-ACP Academic Mobility culture are the keys to balanced, long- and ACP-Connect (bridging the digital divide). term economic development. They entail administrative and academic capacities and appropriate infrastructures corre- sponding to technological development. Citizens’ Rights: migrants in turmoil By adopting the “Brussels Resolution”, the ACP Ministers of Culture meeting Discussions concerning migrants’ rights con- in October 2012 renewed their commit- tinue in the context of the ACP/EU political di- ment to development in the cultural sec- alogue and focus on questions of visas, trans- tor. They invited cultural players in ACP fers of funds and readmission agreements. 25 countries to recognize the role of the sector in national development by creating Discussions pertaining to visas concern networks of local and regional cultural legislation and practices as well as the im- expertise, sharing best practices and cre- plementation of an EU “Visa Code” that of- ating data collection schemes to illustrate fers applicants from ACP countries a stable, the sector’s contributions to social and harmonized and transparent framework. economic development in real terms. Problems pertaining to access to procedures They argued for the implementation of and information on visa applications, ex- LQQRYDWLYH ȴQDQFLDO PHFKDQLVPV JLYHQ penses associated with these applications, the traditional weak support of national medical and travel insurance, recourse and international partners in this sector. against decisions of refusal and descriptions Finally, they undertook to facilitate condi- in the Schengen information systems are con- tions - including visa facilities - to enable sidered specially. The ACP States have doubts, movement of cultural artistes, products however, about the impact that the dialogue and services in order to reach regional could still have on the Visa Code, since this and international markets. In terms of legislation has already been adopted and support to the sector, the ACP Culture+ applied. programme has been set up to support and improve visibility of cultural ac- As concerns transfers of funds from mi- tivities in ACP countries. The funds are grants, whether the movements are South- shared between the cinema and audiovis- South, North-South, from countries in the ual works on one hand and other cultural South towards countries in the North, ex- activities on the other. SHUWV KDYH LGHQWLȴHG SULRULWLHV LPSURYLQJ the legislative framework, capacity building of competent ACP authorities, developing a reliable data system, getting information Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

on the cost of transfers and transparen- involved in return and reintegration oper- cy. In addition, the formal channels used DWLRQV LGHQWLȴFDWLRQ LVVXH RI GRFXPHQWV to send and receive transfers of funds deadlines for responding to applications should be broadened by integrating new for readmission) in order to limit the dura- technologies, assessing shortcomings and tion of retention. constraints, reducing the cost of transfers DQGSURPRWLQJDFFHVVWRȴQDQFLDOVHUYLFHV The question of migrants’ rights is a funda- particularly in rural areas. It is indispensa- mental element in the recognition process: EOH ȴQDOO\ WR GHYHORS ȴQDQFLDO HGXFDWLRQ consequently it is important to oversee the for migrants and recipients in order to re- application of policies that guarantee com- inforce the management and impact of mi- pliance with these rights and the dignity grants’ remittances on development. of the person in all stages of the process. Experts underline the importance of assis- The ACP Group regrets that the EU lim- tance for return and reintegration, before its the dialogue on migration to a narrow and after the return of migrants, to expedite context which allows only for a simple their access to legal assistance in the host exchange of views and information on country and, if necessary, facilitate success- essential questions. They note the lack of ful reintegration in the country of origin. logic in a discussion limited exclusively to Finally, they underscore the fact that forced short-term visas whereas the question of return of migrants in an irregular situation remittances can only be seen in the context should only be a last recourse of a process of long-term residence. The ACP countries, that includes promoting return on a volun- for whom migrants’ remittances represent tary basis. an important source of income, also caution 26 developed countries – and particularly the EU – against the temptation Intra-ACP Migration Facility to consider these transfers as public development aid. How can human mobility be effectively integrated into national and regional develop- Finally, as concerns readmis- ment plans and strategies to reduce poverty? sions, clarifying the terms The lack of reliable data on the interaction used by the various parties between migration and development limits is urgent. For the ACP Group, the understanding of the opportunities that return and reintegration poli- migration represents. Consequently, it is cies must be considered in the essential to do detailed studies of the role of global context of migrant pol- migrants as development agents to respond icy and questions pertaining WR XQVDWLVȴHG HDVLO\ IXOȴOOHG QHHGV RI $&3 to legal and illegal migration countries and to increase the effectiveness must be treated simultane- of their contribution. This is the job that ously and coherently. The ACP has been given to the ACP Observatory on States are in favour of greater Migration. This reference network, consist- dialogue between host coun- ing of experts whose work focuses on South- tries and countries of origin of South migration, acts as a hub for research migrants, for a better under- and expertise on South-South migration, standing of the needs of both data collection and capacity building of Parties and for greater coop- researchers on migration in 12 pilot ACP eration between the players States. Burundi. At a village meeting on citizens’rights. Women’s rights, essential component of the MDG Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

Migration: a global issue

The question of migration goes far beyond the limited context of ACP-EU relations. The ACP Group participated in the sixth Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) organized in Mauritius in November 2012 on the theme of: “Increasing human development of migrants and their contribution to the development of communities and States”. In 2013, the UN General Assembly hosted the “high-level dialogue on international migration and development”; Sweden will chair the GFMD in 2014 followed by Turkey in 2015.

Democracy and human rights, essential components of intra-ACP and ACP-EU cooperation

For a long time, the defence of democracy and human rights was considered in many international institutions to be the sole priv- ilege of States, but this attitude has been revised in the context of ACP-EU and in- 27 tra-ACP cooperation. The concepts of political )(63$&2)LOPIHVWLYDO2XDJDGRXJRX%XUNLQD)DVR dialogue, respect of human rights and good 3URMHFWVXSSRUWHGE\WKH$&3(8FRRSHUDWLRQ governance have become essential compo- No development without culture. nents included in the Cotonou Agreement for ACP-EU cooperation and in various binding texts (Decisions and Resolutions of Summit Meetings of the Council of Ministers) for in- The ACP countries tra-ACP cooperation. also caution In 2012, the political dialogue between the European authorities, particularly the developed countries Parliament, and ACP countries such as Gambia, Suriname and Zambia have promo- – and particularly ted understanding between the two parties. the EU – against Security and freedom are bound to each oth- the temptation er and both have a great impact on development. There can be no real well-being for the to consider these citizen without these elements. For this reason, the ACP Group has supported initiatives transfers as public that could bring security back to countries like South Sudan, Mali or the DRC. development aid. Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives Promoting bold, successful ACP entrepreneurship

Stimulating the private sector

Instruments have been created to provide the indispensable support and to stimulate the private sector.

2QHRIWKHȴUVWRIWKHVHLVWKH&HQWUHIRUWKH development of enterprises (CDE) that grants subsidies to SMEs to cover part of the costs of support and consultancy services (di- agnostic analyses of businesses, feasibility studies) before, during and after an investment. But since 2011, the CDE has struggled 28 &RQJR%XVLQHVVPDQVXSSRUWHGE\WKH$&3(8 with a major management problem that PLFURŵQDQFHSURJUDPPH&,&0 led to suspension of the management and freezing of the annual credits not associated with normal operating expenditures and strong private sector is crucial to pro- ongoing contractual obligations. For the A mote sustainable growth and to alle- European Commission, until the problem viate poverty. In this context, small has been solved, the CDE cannot launch any and medium-sized businesses (SME) play new programmes or projects. This decision D IXQGDPHQWDO UROH EXW WKH\ QHHG VSHFLȴF completely paralyzes the Centre’s activities in DLG WR JDLQ DFFHVV WR ȴQDQFLQJ FRRSHUDWLRQ WKHUHJLRQVEXWWKH(8FRQȴUPHGLWLQ schemes, techniques In an extraordinary session held on 18 April and innovation. But, 2012, the Committee of Ambassadors decided SMEs in ACP as the ACP Committee to terminate the services of the Director and countries still face of Ambassadors the Assistant Director of CDE. told to the European major obstacles Investment Bank (EIB) during a visit to the Investing in infrastructure in obtaining Bank’s headquarters in June 2012, despite Under the Cotonou Agreement and the ŵQDQFH the various instru- European Development Fund (EDF), the EIB ments made available is in charge of managing the “Investment to SMEs and the unde- Facility”, a renewable fund that meets needs niable role they play IRU ȴQDQFLQJ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SURMHFWV E\ in the economic devel- PDNLQJȵH[LEOHLQYHVWPHQWVDQGFRQWUROOLQJ opment of their coun- risks. The EIB focuses its efforts on promot- tries, in ACP countries they still face major ing private initiatives that favour economic REVWDFOHVLQREWDLQLQJȴQDQFH growth and induce positive effects for the Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

community and the region. It also supports worldwide insurance mechanism based on projects backed by the public sector, mainly a Global Index Insurance Facility (GIIF) LQWKHȴHOGRILQIUDVWUXFWXUHV WUDQVSRUWHQ- is used as an instrument for creation, inter- ergy, water and telecommunications). mediation and subscription of insurance products covering risks associated with the Limited access to transport, communica- ZHDWKHU QDWXUDO GLVDVWHUV DQG ȵXFWXDWLRQV tions, water and energy is a major obstacle in commodity prices. to economic growth in Africa. To meet the challenge, the EU and Africa have created an African-EU Partnership for infrastructures whose key instrument is an EU-Africa ȴGXFLDU\IXQGIRULQIUDVWUXFWXUHV7KLVIXQG groups, alongside the European Commission, 12 Member States of the EU, their cooperation Examples : agencies and the EIB that is responsible for its management. The fund combines non-reim- 7KH$&3(8:DWHU)DFLOLW\ȴQDQFHVSURMHFWV bursable aids awarded by the Commission for providing water supply, improving basic and the EU Member States and loans or tech- sanitation, improving governance of water, nical assistance operations carried out by the managing the resource and maintaining infra- EIB and the EU institutions for development structures in the water sector. In the context of ȴQDQFHDVZHOODVWKH$IULFDQ'HYHORSPHQW the third call for proposals launched in 2012, Bank (ADB). It is active in cross-border and € 13 million (seven projects) were devoted to regional projects located in sub-Saharan improving sanitation in poor suburban and 29 Africa. XUEDQDUHDV7KHȴUVWWZRFDOOVIRUSURSRVDOV totalled an amount of € 200 million. Under this scheme, the EDF Committee then created an Investment Facility for the The ACP-EU Energy Facility aims to improve 3DFLȴF ,)3 and a Caribbean Investment access to modern, affordable and sustainable Facility. The priority sectors of intervention, energy services for populations in rural and in these cases as well, are infrastructure pro- periurban zones, focus being on renewable MHFWVLQWKHȴHOGVRIWUDQVSRUWHQHUJ\ZDWHU HQHUJLHVDQGHQHUJ\HɚFLHQF\ sanitation, telecommunications, promotion of small businesses, social services.

Legal security

,QLWLDWLYHV DQG ȴQDQFLQJ DUH QRW VXɟFLHQW to ensure indispensable legal security for operators. The ACP BIZCLIM programme was designed to develop a business climate in ACP countries and regions by improving OHJLVODWLRQ LQVWLWXWLRQDO IUDPHZRUNV DQG ȴ- QDQFLDO PHDVXUHV WR PDNH WKHP EHQHȴFLDO for the private sector and to encourage the reform of public enterprises.

Finally, to help ACP countries cope with risks, a reinsurance mechanism was created. The /DJRV1LJHULD/RJJLQJDQGœŶRDWLQJŔEXVLQHVV Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives The Secretariat : organizing, assembling, unifying, defending

he ACP Secretariat, with headquarters of Ambassadors). Its mission is to execute T in Brussels (Belgium), is responsible for the tasks entrusted to it by these authorities implementing the Group’s international and by the ACP Parliamentary Assembly, to policy and for moderating and coordinating contribute to the implementation of the deci- cooperation policy. It is both the ears and the sions of these bodies, to monitor the ACP-EU spokesperson for all the countries and com- 3DUWQHUVKLS$JUHHPHQWDQGȴQDOO\WRDVVLVW munities of Africa, the Caribbean and the the ACP bodies and joint institutions created 3DFLȴF by partnership agreements.

The Secretariat ensures the administrative In the context of future restructuring, management of the Group, negotiations with questions arise regarding the future the the European Union, represented by the 6HFUHWDULDW LWV FRPSHWHQFH WKH UHGHȴQLWLRQ 30 European Commission, and management of of its tasks and its premises (changing its aid programmes. It also manages program- location). Among other things, systems, rules PLQJDQGFRRUGLQDWLRQRILQWUD$&3ȴQDQFH and procedures should be developed to allow and the dialogue with for management of broad programmes with- the EU on improv- in the Secretariat and capacity building of the The Secretariat is ing the performance 6HFUHWDULDWRɟFLDOVLQFKDUJHRISURJUDPPHV of the European with a view to management based on better both the ears and Development Fund practices. The study entrusted to an inde- (EDF). In addition, the pendent consultant will assess the skills and the spokesperson Secretariat monitors knowledge of the agents and the Secretariat for all the countries the implementation will then propose a concrete programme to of the 2011- 2014 reinforce those skills and knowledge where and communities Strategy for transfor- necessary. mation and renewal of Africa, the and the 2008-2013 multi-annual in- A customised service for ACP organs Caribbean and the tra-ACP indicative programme. During 2012, the Secretariat continued its 3DFLŵF relations with European partners – the Consisting of a rela- European Commission and Parliament – tively limited num- particularly in the context of the Joint ACP-EU ber of experts, it can Assembly, and organized several ACP minis- take action on almost every continent and terial meetings in its premises in Brussels : organize meetings there. It acts under the Council of Ministers of Culture, of Fishing, of authority of the political organs of the ACP 7UDGHRɟFLDOVZRUNLQJRQFOLPDWHFKDQJHDV Group (Summit of the Heads of State and well as meetings for the ACP-EU Committee Government, Council of Ministers, Committee of Ambassadors and intra-ACP projects. &RPPHPRUDWLRQRIWKH:RPHQőV'D\DWWKH ACP Secretariat

Moreover, the Secretariat is particularly at- over the world, such as the conference tentive to the visibility of the ACP by reinforc- on cocoa in Abidjan or the Forum on ing its communication and press activities. Migration and Development, are added to these. For each of these events, the In addition to its headquarters in Brussels, Secretariat organized meetings on the WKH 6HFUHWDULDW KDV DQ RɟFH LQ *HQHYD VSH- spot with political officials, civil society cialized in World Trade Organization issues. representatives and experts. On the av- This branch of the Secretariat provides the erage, the number of meetings organized necessary support to ACP ambassadors ac- abroad represent 20% of the number credited to the WTO. of major meetings (meetings of several dozen or hundreds of participants) or- The Secretariat also organized a dozen ganized by the Secretariat. major events abroad such as: the ACP 31 Parliamentary Assembly and (jointly with During 2012, the Secretariat organized the EP) the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary approximately 600 meetings to serve Assembly in Lusaka, the ACP Ministers the Group. It prepared and distributed Meeting and the ACP-EU Council of four documents on the average, some Ministers in Port Villa (Vanuatu), the ACP of which were very detailed, for each Fisheries Ministers Meeting in Fiji, the of these meetings, an approximate total Regional Meeting of the ACP Parliamentary of 3000 documents on various subjects Assembly and (jointly with the EP) the Joint were prepared during the year. ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly in Apia (Samoa), the ACP Workshop on Emerging Issues and Challenges in the Multilateral Ambassador for the Group Trading System in Nairobi (Kenya), the session of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly Finally, the Secretariat represents the and (jointly with the EP) the ACP-EU Joint ACP Group in various international Parliamentary Assembly in Paramaribo meetings including: the United Nations (Suriname), the ACP Council of Ministers Conference on Sustainable Development and the ACP Summit, preceded by sever- Rio+20, the 33rd Summit Conference of al meetings of ministers and experts in Heads of Government of the Caribbean Malabo (Equatorial Guinea). community, the 19th Summit of African Union Leaders (Addis Ababa), the 43rd meeting of the Pacific Leaders Forum Impressive numbers of documents and (Cook Islands), the 67th Meeting of the meetings United Nations General Assembly (New York). The organization of the participation of ACP representatives in conferences all Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

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Future perspectives

32 lthough the origin of the ACP Group world order, consolidation of unity and A sprung from its relations with solidarity and comprehension between the former colonial powers, it is States and between peoples in the ACP GHȴQHG LQ SULRULW\ LQ LWV IRXQGLQJ DFW WKH Group, united, moreover, by the objective Georgetown Agreement signed in 1975, as of better coordinating their commercial an intergovernmental organization consist- relations and partnership with the EU. It ing of States bound by a common view of also noted that progressively, the Group South-South solidarity, the quest for fairness has broadened its scope of action not only in the world economy and world trade, and with the EU and other partner countries, of the use of dialogue as the main instru- but also via intra-ACP relations, integrat- ment of international cooperation. ing requirements pertaining to democracy, respect of human rights and new concepts The legal basis and the fundamental prin- associated with sustainable development ciples guiding the action of the ACP group in all its dimensions (economic, social and are enshrined in a series of acts, and decla- environmental). rations have been regularly reasserted over time. Once again, they were repeated and updated in the Sipopo Declaration adopt- Partners in a new world ed in December 2012 at the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo Growing awareness of the evolution of the (Equatorial Guinea). world and its economic, social and technical transformations has encouraged all the The Sipopo Declaration recalls the found- organs of the ACP Group to think about its ing principles of the Group: particularly future, both as an organized Group and in re- the development and gradual integration lation to all its international partners. For this of ACP countries in the world economy, purpose, the Heads of State and Government alleviation of poverty and the establish- decided at the Summit in Malabo (Equatorial ment of a new, fairer and more equitable Guinea) in December 2012, to set up a Group Becoming a leading international organization for the promotion of South-South solidarity and North-South cooperation to foster sustainable development

of Eminent Persons, acting independently of form of a communication on reforming the their own countries, regions and any other vision, the mission and the fundamental val- 33 party. Alongside the political bodies (Council ues of the ACP Group. of Ministers, Committee of Ambassadors, This document underscores the attachment ACP Members of the Joint Parliamentary of ACP States to diversity, unity and soli- Assembly) and the General Secretariat, the darity in view of the challenges in a world Group of Eminent Persons has been asked to characterized by growing interdependence, help rethink the future of the ACP and their their commitment to global peace, security place in the world. DQG VWDELOLW\ WKH ȴJKW DJDLQVW DOO W\SHV RI Meeting in an extraordinary session in discrimination, reinforcement of democra- Brussels on 25 and 26 March 2013, the ACP cy and the rule of law and the promotion of Council of Ministers inaugurated the Group JRRG JRYHUQDQFH ,W VSHFLȴHV WKH REMHFWLYH of Eminent Persons. Its main mission will that the Group has set for itself: becoming be to give advice and make concrete rec- a leading international organization for ommendations about the future of the the promotion of South-South solidarity ACP Group, its mission, its structures and and North-South cooperation to foster sus- its operating methods. The 14 members of tainable development, whose mission is to the Group – which includes personalities accelerate the economic and social trans- such as Dr. Leonel A. Fernandez Reyna, for- formation of ACP countries and populations mer president of the Dominican Republic, via partnerships centred on trade and de- Hon. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, former president velopment, mobilization of resources and of Guyana, Mr. Kaliopate Tavola, former integration for equitable participation in Minister of Foreign Affairs of Fiji, and the global economy. The document further Dr. Libertine Amathila, ex-Deputy Prime adds that this evolution should take place Minister of Namibia – met at that time and while respecting the fundamental values of elected former Nigerian President Chief solidarity, non-discrimination, social justice, Olusegun Obasanjo as Chairman and adopt- good governance, rule of law, transparency ed the guidelines of their future work in the DQGHɟFLHQF\ Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

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34 Activities of the Secretariat of the ACP Group in 2012 and future perspectives

The list of countries published by The Courier do not prejudice the status of these countries and territories now or in the future. The Courier uses maps from a variety of sources. Their use does not imply recognition of any particular boundaries nor prejudice the satus of any state or territory. Secretariat of the African, Caribbean and 3DFLȴF*URXSRI6WDWHV 451, av. Georges Henri 1200 Brussels, Belgium www.acp.int

2013

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