"We understand that the Commission is worried about the end of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) waiver, but in the unlikely event of a challenge the ACP countries can state convincingly that given the lack of progress on the Doha round and the fact that their group contains some of the poorest countries on earth, an extension of the Cotonou preferences would hardly be unjustified," argued ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.
"For those countries that do choose to negotiate EPAs, a greater degree of non-reciprocity and a period of up to 25 years for implementation are necessary preconditions to boost sub-regional integration, which is a stated aim of these negotiations. ACP countries should not be pressured into negotiating areas such as intellectual property and investment provisions if they do not wish to do so."
Concluded John Monks: "At the upcoming meeting of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) we urge all Member States to take seriously the concerns of the many ACP governments, trade unions and civil society representatives. It's time to stop the deadline game and look for creative solutions to the ACPs' development needs."
International Trade Union Confederation
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