Proposal for a Decision establishing the position to be adopted in the EPA Committee set up by the Interim Agreement between the European Community and the Central Africa Party (Rules of procedure)

Summary:

Proposal presented on 25 July 2019 by the European Commission establishing the position to be taken on behalf of the Union regarding the adoption of the rules of procedure for mediation, the rules of procedure for arbitration and the code of conduct for arbitrators.

Further information:

The interim agreement with a view to an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Central Africa Party, of the other part, aims to establish an initial framework for a full regional economic partnership agreement in accordance with the Cotonou Agreement. The interim agreement has been applied on a provisional basis since 4 August 2014.

The EPA Committee is responsible for the administration of the Agreement. At its fifth meeting, the EPA Committee must adopt a decision laying down the rules and procedures for implementing the measures provided for in Title VI of the Agreement in order to avoid and settle disputes which may arise between the Parties. The adoption of these rules is an essential element for finalising the operational framework for the Agreement's provisions on dispute avoidance and settlement.