The European Union’s Policy in African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries: Towards an Effective Democratisation?

"Since 1992, the european Community has included in all its agreements with third countries a clause defining respect for human rights and democracy as 'essential elements' in the EU's relationship. This clause is unique in bilateral agreements. This approach has been further developed in the Cotonou agreement signed with african, caribbean and pacific (ACP) countries in June 2000 which is based on respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and on good governance. This new development policy is firmly grounded on the principle of sustainable, equitable and participatory human and social development. It constitutes a major step in the development of the european union's policies." As this communication from the european Commission1 in 2001 points out, the european union has defined itself a role in promoting human rights and democratisation in Third countries. As well, since the relationship between the EU and the african, caribbean and pacific countries has been the most structured and historically important of all those the EU supported, it seems logical to focus on this particular region of the Third World.