Gay Mitchell (PPE-DE), in writing. – We have reached a critical period for the economic partnership agreements (EPAs). A WTO-compliant agreement is crucial for the non-least developed ACP countries.

It is unfortunate that a relationship of trust between the two sides has not always been evident. No country should feel pressurised into entering an agreement. The Commission should have done more to make the negotiations more inclusive.

The EU is the most important trading partner for most ACP countries.

The EU imported goods worth a total of EUR 28 billion from the ACP countries in 2004. This amounts to double the amount of development assistance that was made available through the ninth EDF to the ACP region, from 2000 to 2007.

Trade, and not aid, is the key for sustainable economic growth and development. While no one can deny that many ACP countries face considerable challenges, if the EPAs are framed correctly they should be seen as an opportunity for the ACP.

The European Union should be fully supportive of the development agenda that shall accompany any EPA agreement.

Interim deals should be put in place to ensure that there will be no disruption to trade and that the livelihood of millions will not be put at risk.