The Rationales Behind the EU-OACPS Agreement: Process, Outcome, Contestations

This article examines the rationales of European Union (EU) and Organisation African, Caribbean Pacific States (OACPS) in preparations negotiations successor to Cotonou Agreement, paying particular attention contested issues. It argues that EU-OACPS Agreement constitutes a fundamental break from past practices, at least apparently: with regards form, it introduces an unprecedented framework for cooperation, articulated common base three distinct regional pillars; terms substance, proposes list equally important strategic priorities, thus going beyond previous focus on development. Furthermore, unlike its predecessor but like many other agreements signed by EU third states, sets out comprehensive political partnership mutually beneficial outcomes. article, importantly, unravels sources tensions between within two sides. also shows were more symmetrical than instances, not because contentious issues such as aid volumes trade cooperation fall outside remit EUOACPS less participatory, they largely conducted small number official representatives, limited involvement stakeholders. post-Cotonou, ACP Group, African Union, development policy