EU backs common external tariff for West Africa

The European Union says it welcomes the adoption by the Summit of Heads of State of ECOWAS on October 25 of the Common External Tariff, which makes more concrete the customs union in the region.
This decision, the EU said, marks a major step forward in the process of West African regional integration and progress towards the conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement between the two parties.
The EU said in a statement that it is committed to continuing its support for West African regional organizations in their efforts to achieve further regional integration.
The European Commission said it will propose to its member states to double the allocation of the Regional Indicative Programme for West Africa, which could reach 1.2 billion euros in the 11th EDF.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS and UEMOA have said they welcome the commitment of the European Union and its positive contribution to the integration process in West Africa.
“The region welcomes the proposal of the European Commission to double the amount of the Regional Indicative Programme of the 11th EDF and welcomes the commitment of the EU to support projects which will generate sustainable and inclusive growth, wealth and jobs for the benefit of 300 million West African citizens,” a joint statement by the EU, ECOWAS and UEMOA said.
The European Union, ECOWAS and UEMOA have agree to resume negotiations of the Economic Partnership Agreement as soon as possible.