Commission reports on negotiating round with five Eastern and Southern African countries

As part of its transparency commitment, the European Commission published today the report summarising progress made during the latest negotiation round to deepen the existing Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with five Eastern and Southern African partners (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles and Zimbabwe).

The fourth round was held virtually from 13 to 16 April. The partners discussed food safety plant and animal health standards, customs and trade facilitation, mutual administrative assistance, rules of origin, trade and sustainable development, trade in services, investment liberalisation and digital trade, and economic and development cooperation. The round allowed for further progress on mostly all issues and for the conclusion of the mutual administrative assistance protocol.

The next round is foreseen for July 2021 (exact dates to be confirmed).

For more information

Report on the fourth negotiating round

EU-Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA5) EPA deepening negotiations