Regional strategy for CAN 2007-2013

Stability, economic and social cohesion, the fight against drug trafficking and sustainable development are the regional integration objectives identified in the Andean Community (CAN) Regional Strategy Paper (RSP). The RSP for the period 2007-2013 and the Regional Indicative Programme (RIP) for the period 2007-2010 present the details of implementation.

ACT

European Community - Andean Community Regional Strategy Paper 2007-2013.

SUMMARY

The regional strategy paper (RSP) defines the objectives and priorities for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the Andean Community (CAN) for the period 2007-2013. It aims at responding to the challenges faced by CAN countries. Essentially, these challenges include the strengthening of democracy, political stability, respect for human rights and the rule of law, social cohesion, economic development, the fight against drugs and the protection of the environment. In this respect, it supplements the country strategy papers (CSPs) produced for each of the countries in the region.

Within this context, regional cooperation constitutes an added value based on cooperation between the countries. However, the willingness of the partner countries, i.e. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, to cooperate and to embrace this cooperation is fundamental for the implementation of the RSP.

EU response strategy

In order to promote regional integration, the RSP has identified priority action areas according to their comparative advantage. These priorities are specified in the regional indicative programme (RIP) for the period 2007-2010.

Regional economic integration is essential for the creation of the Andean common market. It also offers a perspective for facilitating negotiations between the EU and CAN towards an association and free trade agreement. Actions in the area include the following:

• harmonisation or mutual recognition of legislation;
• trade in goods and services and tightening of trade relations between the two regions;
• promotion of customs and trade facilitation and acceptance of international standards in this area;
• rendering CAN more attractive for foreign investors.

Social and economic cohesion benefits the fight against poverty, inequality, unemployment and exclusion. The specific objectives in this area include the following:

• stimulate further development of a comprehensive CAN social policy by an integrated approach to social and economic cohesion;
• encourage field projects and cross-border and cross-national contacts;
• create synergies between social cohesion and the protection of the environment by integrating sustainable natural resource management into projects.

The fight against drugs and crime is a priority area for the region, which is the main producer of cocaine in the world. Effective measures can also limit their destabilising effect on democratic institutions and the social tissue. Objectives in this area include the following:

• a global approach to the anti-drug policies of CAN countries, ranging from suppression to prevention, and with due consideration being given to reintegration;
• promotion of complementary policies at regional and national level.

Within this context, the strengthening of the institutional capacities of CAN countries and the region's integration in the world economy constitute essential elements of the strategy.

Moreover, in order to strengthen the impact of actions carried out, projects implemented under these priorities integrate cross-cutting themes, i.e. energy, transport, employment, gender equality, indigenous peoples' rights, consumers' rights, good governance and environmental viability. Civil society is also involved in implementation.

Implementation details

The indicative budget for the RSP for 2007-2013 under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) amounts to 50 million. Two thirds of this budget covers the period 2007-2010 (RIP I) and one third the period 2011-2013 (RIP II). The funds will then be allocated to the various priority areas. The latter will be reviewed in 2010.

RIP also offers a perspective of expected results for the various priorities, such as:

• an increase in trade and investment within the framework of an integrated market;
• complementarity in regional and national social and economic cohesion policies;
• close coordination in the fight against drugs.

Background

Cooperation between the EU and CAN, derived from the 1969 Andean Agreement, is included in the development cooperation framework (Article 177 of the Treaty establishing the European Community). It pursues the objectives defined by both the Development Consensus and the reinforced partnership with Latin America. In this respect, the RSP for 2007-2013 pursues the objectives of the previous RSP (2002-2006), from which it has drawn experience.

Last updated: 01.04.2008