In June 2000 the European Union and a wide range of countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific - known collectively as the ACP Group -  entered into a comprehensive partnership agreement.

It is named the Cotonou Agreement after the city in which it was signed. This document defines how the European Community and the ACP states intend to cooperate in the fields of aid, trade and political cooperation. It embodies a common commitment to fighting poverty, supporting democracy, promoting economic growth and fostering sustainable development.

A key feature of the Agreement is its emphasis on the participation of ‘non-state actors’ in ACP countries in the implementation of the agreement. These actors are now recognized as essential in helping to ensure the relevance and impact of cooperation policies and programmes between the ACP and the EC.