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Cotonou Agreement:“Political dialogue under Article 8dialogue under

Aticle 8

Political dialogue reflects the normal state of relations between the partners. It has an ubiquitous and omnipresent

character and is applied permanently. It is regular and continuous,not a one-off event, ensuring exchange of information

and mutual understanding, and establishing common priorities.Thus, it is applied in all ACP states with which the

Community cooperates, irrespective of other processes,notably those related to Article 96 (consultations on respect of

essential elements). There is, therefore, no need to formally start a dialogue, although it may be useful to reinforce it or to

structure it to ensure that it addresses key issues.

 

Holistic approach

Article 8 is inclusive, covering a wide range of issues – not just the “essential elements” but also peace and security, global,

regional and sectoral development cooperation policies, environment,gender, migration, cultural heritage, as well as specific issues, like arms trade, excessive military expenditure, drugs,organised crime, ethnic, religious and racial discrimination.

 

This reflects the recognition that striving for peace and security and fighting against poverty necessitate tackling issues beyond the traditional sphere of “high” politics (for instance,environment) i.e. beyond managing and projecting power between self-ruling states. It requires cooperation in areas directly affecting the human condition beyond boundaries and beyond governments. Article 8 provides a framework encompassing areas for action which can help attain the overall objective of poverty eradication. This holistic and “interdisciplinary” approach and the ensuing possibilities of mixing appropriate policies requires a high degree of coherence, complementarity and coordination.

 

The parties to the dialogue can agree jointly on specific issues which are urgent and/or of importance to a country.Article 8 calls for flexible parameters, so political dialogue can be conducted through existing instruments rather than by creating new structures. This flexibility is its greatest asset. It concerns the choice of items for discussion without a need for specific terms of reference or a strict time frame. No formal start and/or formal end need to be envisaged, and questions such as the venue, the composition of the parties, the frequency, the level of formality, the institutional framework reflect the wishes of the parties and can be changed in the course of the dialogue. In practice, understanding of that flexibility is not so evident. Insistence by either party, i.e. EU or ACP government, on a “formal” opening of political dialogue, on drafting of formal terms of EU-ACP relations are governed by the Cotonou Agreement, an integrated framework based on partnership and promoting cooperation, trade and political dialogue.

 

Article 8 of the Agreement makes political dialogue an integral part of the partnership established by that Agreement. The reinforced relationship between the Community and the ACP has evolved into a “partnership”. As part of this relationship Article 8 calls for political dialogue to play a key role in tackling issues and difficulties at an early stage, setting flexible parameters while permitting certain sensitive issues between sovereign states to be included. The dialogue specified in Article 8 has the potential to promote significant improvement in the Community’s relationship with the ACP countries. Furthermore,the emphasis on political and governance obligations, grouped under “essential elements” (human rights, democratic principles, the rule of law), necessitates better communication and dialogue, a deeper relationship.

 

Lyssandros Stathopoulos*