Green Paper between the EU and OCT-countries

Since 1985 when Greenland withdrew from the EU it has been part of Association of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) to the EU.  The 1st of July 2008 the EU Commission published a Green Paper on the future relations between the EU and the OCTs aimed at launching a broad public debate and consultation running until the 17th of October 2008. Following the consultation the Commission will propose a new partnership that takes account of the special characteristics of the 21 OCTs.

A Green Paper is a discussion paper published by the Commission to address to long term legislative or strategic planning in a specific policy area.

The Green Paper lists the institutional and historical ties between the EU and OCT-countries and the background for the cooperation between the partners which dates back to 1956. The Green Paper is intended to launch a broad discussion on how to improve and modernize the cooperation between the partners.

Today, the cooperation between the EU and OCT-countries is based on a “classic development aid” approach in which aid is given in accordance to GDP pr. capita. However, none of the OCT can be defined as “classic developing countries”. The intention of the Green Paper is to ask questions on how to replace the current agreement with an innovative partnership that responds to globalization, climate change, and new social and economic challenges. The partnership will be tailored specifically to the current and future status of the OCT-countries needs, challenges, and potential whilst also recognizing the close link and mutual interest between the EU and OCT-countries.

The intension is to launch a broad public debate in which everyone – governments, institutions, and individuals – can participate. The consultation runs until the 17^th October 2008 and the Green Paper can be acquired here.

For further information enquiries can be made to the Greenlandic Representation in Brussels: tlph: +32 22 33 09 60

Green Paper

Green Paper annex

European Commission, DG Development
http://ec.europa.eu/development/how/consultation/index.cfm?action=viewcons&id=3841

European Commission, Consultation
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm