The European Union recently proposed the elimination of any tariff or contingent restrictions for the access to European markets of all the regions of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) in the framework of the current round of negotiations for economic partnership deals in trade and development. With the sole exception of South Africa, the Commission’s offer concerns all ACP countries and all products. It thus follows in the footsteps of the “Everything except arms” accord that has been in force for years between the EU and the group of so-called less advanced countries: the entry into force of the new proposal is planned for 1st January 2008, with the exception of a transitional period for rice and sugar, necessary to ensure conformity with European internal reforms. Contrary to the practice regularly applied in the WTO, the European Union is not demanding, at least for the time being, a “condition of equivalent opening” of the markets of the ACP. The aim is to enable these latter to “maintain the right to protect sensitive products and safeguard local producers from the possible elimination of customs duties”.
