Introduction

Abstract

According to the central provisions of the Cotonou Agreement, the European Union (EU) is committed to facilitating ‘poverty eradication, sustainable development and the gradual integration of the African-Caribbean-Pacific (ACP)1 countries into the world economy’ (Cotonou Partnership Agreement, 2000, Preamble). This volume evaluates the EU’s commitment to the spirit of Cotonou. Following the demise of the 25-year-old Lomé regime, the new partnership agreement was signed between the two groups in Cotonou, Benin, on 23 June 2000, heralding a new era in a long-standing relationship. Within the Treaty, EU policymakers make frequent linkages between the terms ‘poverty alleviation’ (or eradication) and ‘sustainable development’ (Articles 1, 9, 19, 23, 24, 34, 73). It is this two-pronged approach to development that will form the basis of this study.