Examining the Role of BATNA in Explaining EPA Negotiation Outcomes

James Nyomakwa-Obimpeh ()
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James Nyomakwa-Obimpeh: University of Cologne, Postal: University of Cologne, Jean Monnet Chair of Political Science and European Affairs, Gottfried-Keller-Strasse 6, 50931 Cologne, Germany

Journal of Economic Integration, 2017, vol. 32, issue 2, 488-530

Abstract: The European Union has been negotiating regional Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States since 2002 with different outcomes. For instance, while the negotiation with the Caribbean Forum concluded as envisaged in 2007, those with the Economic Community of West African States and other ACP countries have extended for nearly a decade after the initial deadline. This study discusses the rationale behind these different outcomes. The study concludes that for the European Union to have effective trade negotiations with the ACP countries, it needs to look beyond its market size attraction and policy to promote the idea of free trade. Moreover, it should analyse alternative trade options available to those regions and develop appropriate negotiation positions and strategies.

Keywords: Economic Partnership Agreement; Trade Negotiation Outcomes; Best Alternative To the Negotiated Agreement (BATNA); ACP Group of States; European Union; ECOWAS; CARIFORUM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F13 F14 F15 F20 F51 F68 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ris:integr:0718

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