The Future of Acp-Eu Trade Relations : An Overview of the Forthcoming Negotiations

In the forthcoming negotiations on new trading arrangements between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Union (EU), the ACP Group will be confronted with a number of issues. This paper reviews the state of the current debate, presents some of the options advocated by various actors, and suggests elements for further consideration. Three main issues are considered: possible common trade interests of the ACP Group, possible configurations of ACP groupings for negotiations with the EU, and the need to strengthen the capacities of ACP countries to participate in the negotiations