Involvement of civil society in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the Southern African Development Community EPA states

The study looks at the involvement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) EPA States. Commissioned by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), it assesses the current state of CSO participation and identifies barriers to their effective engagement. It provides an assessment of the likelihood for progress in CSO participation within the EPA institutional framework and offers initial recommendations for regional dialogue and national technical assistance to help build trust and create the necessary conditions for greater CSO engagement on trade and sustainable development with the EU. The study is motivated by the EESC's recognition of the need for organised social partners and CSOs in forming successful economic partnerships.