IES Working Papers
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Is the EU's Governance 'Good'? An assessment of EU Governance in its partnership with ACP States. |
IES Working Paper 1/2010
Authors: Nikki Slocum-Bradley and Andrew Bradley
Abstract:
This paper examines both the processes and outcomes of governance in the context of the EU’s relationship with ACP States within the period of the Cotonou Agreement (CA). It discusses and assesses a variety of governance mechanisms, including the European Commission’s use of the governance concept, EPAs, manifestations of partner preferences, the EDF, the revision of the CA, and Fisheries Partnership Agreements. Specific examples of the wielding of each mechanism are assessed based upon two criteria: a) the extent to which the wielding of the mechanism by the EU is a manifestation of “good governance”, and b) the extent to which the EU’s wielding of the mechanism has resulted, or is likely to result, in the sustainable development of and reduction of poverty in ACP countries. The examples are chosen to illustrate contradictions between rhetoric and practice and the consequential negative (actual and potential) impact upon development in ACP States. The final section offers suggestions for improving the EU’s governance processes and their outcomes for development.
About the authors:
Nikki Slocum-Bradley is a Research fellow of the Institute for European Studies and an
Associate Research Fellow at the United Nations University Centre for Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) in Belgium. Her research encompasses a broad range of issues at the nexus between psychology, sociology, politics and international relations. She has published in a variety of journals and books across disciplines, and edited Promoting Conflict or Peace through Identity (Ashgate, 2008). She has also authored a variety of background papers for policy forums.
Andrew Bradley is Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Human Development of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. His current responsibilities include, for example, the maintenance of ACP–EU relations, migration, human and social development, conflict prevention and resolution, and the promotion of democracy and human rights. Previously he was a career diplomat serving in South African embassies and missions in Canada, Switzerland and Belgium. In this capacity, he was involved in the discussions/negotiations that brought about democratic change in South Africa.
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