EU/Kenya: a new economic partnership agreement
On 19 June 2023, the EU and Kenya announced the political conclusion of negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Kenya, the ninth largest economy on the African continent, exports mainly vegetables, fruit and flowers to the European Union and is now regarded as a reliable and stable democracy in a region that can be turbulent. The EU is the country's first export destination and second largest trading partner.
This ambitious agreement encompasses sustainable development issues such as climate and environmental protection and workers' rights. It provides for immediate access of all Kenyan exports to the Community market with exemption from customs duties, with the exception of arms. For their part, Europeans will be able to access the Kenyan market gradually, with transitional periods that take into account Kenya's development needs, providing a longer period for opening up its market, safeguard measures for agriculture and the protection of its developing industry.
This partnership is part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, a plan to counter China's ambitions of influence beyond its borders. Indeed, Beijing has increased its investment in Kenya under its so-called « new silk roads »While trade negotiations between Brussels and the East African community have been stagnating for almost 10 years.
The EPA is currently being translated for transmission to the European Council for signature and will then be submitted to the European Parliament for approval.
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