New trade agreement forces African countries to follow European ideas

06-07-2022

European Union

Pieter Beens, RD

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen and Togolese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chief Negotiator of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States. Photo AFP, Olivier Hoslet

A new trade agreement with the European Union should bring African countries welfare and security. But in return, these countries must prioritise abortion and sexual diversity on their agenda. They also have to support the European Union within the United Nations. African countries feel put on the spot. They speak of ‘cultural neo colonialism’. In addition, the European Union acts contrary to its own agreements.