East African Community: EU to sign economic partnership agreement with Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda

On 20 June 2016, the Council authorised, on behalf of the EU, the signature and provisional application of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) between the EU and the East African Community (EAC). The East African Community comprises Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.

The economic partnership agreements are intended to enhance regional integration and economic development in the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. They are based on the principle of asymmetrical market opening, meaning that they provide a better access to the EU market for ACP partners. They notably offer unprecedented market opportunities for agricultural and fisheries products.  EPAs replace the previous market access regime of unilateral preferences for ACP countries.

• East African Community
• EU EAC EPA Factsheet
• EU-Africa relations (background information)