Matches in UGent Biblio for { ?s ?p This article examines the dynamics leading to the fi rst Lomé Convention between the EC and the former colonies of its member states. In 1975 the EC and the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacifi c) countries managed to conclude a comprehensive trade and development agreement, despite the period of eursclerosis and economic crisis. This article aims to explain this apparent paradox. First, we examine why Lomé has been perceived as a revolutionary agreement. In this respect four features of the agreement are elaborated: (1) its broad geographical reach, (2) its wide scope, (3) the development friendly nature of its trade regime, and (4) the EC’s commitment to an equal partnership. Subsequently, we analyze the EC’s motives to include these distinguishing features in the Convention. Based on a research in the EU records and some private collections, this study comes to the conclusion that this ‘revolutionary’ agreement was not the result of ambitious ideas about development, but stemmed from historical relations and practical consideration. Lomé I was to a large extent the continuation of previous policies by France and the United Kingdom towards their former colonies, and these two EC member states have largely shaped the content and nature of the agreement through intergovernmental bargaining. However, in times of eurosclerosis it might be useful to affirm Europe as an ambitious international actor as a response to the internal legitimacy crisis.. }
Showing items 1 to 1 of
1
with 100 items per page.
- aggregation abstract "This article examines the dynamics leading to the fi rst Lomé Convention between the EC and the former colonies of its member states. In 1975 the EC and the ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacifi c) countries managed to conclude a comprehensive trade and development agreement, despite the period of eursclerosis and economic crisis. This article aims to explain this apparent paradox. First, we examine why Lomé has been perceived as a revolutionary agreement. In this respect four features of the agreement are elaborated: (1) its broad geographical reach, (2) its wide scope, (3) the development friendly nature of its trade regime, and (4) the EC’s commitment to an equal partnership. Subsequently, we analyze the EC’s motives to include these distinguishing features in the Convention. Based on a research in the EU records and some private collections, this study comes to the conclusion that this ‘revolutionary’ agreement was not the result of ambitious ideas about development, but stemmed from historical relations and practical consideration. Lomé I was to a large extent the continuation of previous policies by France and the United Kingdom towards their former colonies, and these two EC member states have largely shaped the content and nature of the agreement through intergovernmental bargaining. However, in times of eurosclerosis it might be useful to affirm Europe as an ambitious international actor as a response to the internal legitimacy crisis.".