The Future of ACP-EU Trade Relations: An Overview of the Forthcoming Negotiations

In view of the forthcoming negotiations between the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and the European Union (EU) on new trading arrangements, the purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the issues with which the ACP Group will be confronted. This paper does not intend to provide new analysis on these issues nor to make specific policy recommendations. It reviews the state of the current debate, presents some of the options advocated by various actors, and suggests elements for further consideration. Three main themes are considered: possible common trade interests of the ACP Group, possible ACP configurations for negotiations with the EU, and possible needs in ACP negotiating capacities.