Kenya – EU Trade Deal Passes Despite Opposition by 86 EU MPs
Members of the European Parliament gave their approval on Thursday for the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Kenya.
In the voting procedure with the participation of 508 members, the trade deal received approval from 366 EU MPs, with 86 voting against it. Additionally, 56 members were not present during the vote.
After the majority vote, the agreement on trade between Kenya and the European Union was given the green light.
The primary objective of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is to enhance trade and economic connections with Kenya.
The deal incorporates legally binding measures and enforceable clauses related to global standards and accords concerning labor and gender equality.
The goal also includes boosting efforts to address climate and environmental changes, as well as preventing both parties from reducing labor and environmental standards.
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Part of a statement by the European Union Parliament reads, “It is the first agreement with a developing country in which the EU’s new approach to trade and sustainable development is reflected.”
The EU parliament further noted, “The trade and sustainable development clauses, which are new compared to the EU-East African Community EPA, will be binding. Possible issues will be addressed through a dedicated dispute-resolution mechanism.”
Kenya’s most significant export market is the European Union, which serves as its second-largest trading partner. As per data from the Commission in 2022, the overall trade volume between Kenya and the EU amounted to Ksh191 billion (€3.3 billion).
Recognizing the agreement, Hussein Mohamed, the State House spokesperson, emphasized that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would guarantee uninterrupted duty-free and quota-free entry for Kenyan exports, including flowers, tea, coffee, fish, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, benefiting farmers, processors, and traders.
“The European Parliament has given a resounding vote of confidence to Kenya today after approving the Kenya-EU Economic Partnership Agreement,” noted Hussein Mohamed.
The government emphasized that the agreement would create possibilities for European Union investment in Kenya, leading to the generation of employment in industries like chemicals, steel, pharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing.
Kenya – EU Trade Deal Passes Despite Opposition by 86 EU MPs
