Het Europese Economisch en Sociaal Comité (EESC) spreekt over de EU-Afrika strategie bij regionaal seminar ACS-EU in Ethiopië (en)

Met dank overgenomen van Europees Economisch en Sociaal Comité (EESC) i, gepubliceerd op donderdag 17 juni 2010.

CES/10/76

17 June 2010

The European Economic and Social Committee will organise the 11th Regional Seminar of ACP-EU i Economic and Social Interest Groups in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 7-9 July 2010.

During the three day seminar, 12 EESC members will be joined by representatives of economic and social interest groups from the 16 countries of the East African Community (EAC) and of Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) to discuss the future of the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership, the 2010 Revision of the Cotonou Agreement and the role of non-state actors in its implementation, the negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements, sustainable food security and the role of the African social economy in combating poverty.

Invited keynote speakers include H.E. Mr Meles Zenawi , Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr Michel, European co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Dr. Maxwell M. Mkwezalamba, Commissioner for Economic Affairs for the African Union Commission, Mr Muna, President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) of the African Union, H.E. Mr Sufian Ahmed, Minister of Finance and Economic Development of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and National Authorising Officer for the EU-Ethiopia Cooperation and Mr Milupi, ACP co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

A press conference will take place on 7 July at 12.30 p.m. in the 2nd Conference room of the United Nations Conference Centre.

At the end of the regional seminar the delegates will adopt a final declaration on each of the five topics to be discussed during the event.

Background note:

Under the auspices of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the EESC organises meetings with ACP-EU Economic and Social Interest Groups. This role has been confirmed by the Cotonou Agreement, which mandates the EESC to organise consultation sessions and meetings of ACP-EU economic and social interest groups.