The EU's development policy

The European Union&s;s development policy has historically focused upon former colonies, especially those within the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) group. This chapter explores EU development policy and discourse in terms of the legitimisation of asymmetric economic relations with ACP countries. It then examines the historical foundations of Europe&s;s development discourse and how it has moralised external interventions in former colonies. The chapter thereafter explores the continued relevance of the concept of &s;dependency&s; in terms of contemporary ACP-EU relations under the Cotonou Agreement, as well as the current shift to a post-Cotonou treaty. It indicates that paternalistic discourse and dependency relations are likely here to stay in the post-Cotonou phase. Critical commentators, disappointed in 2000 with the conclusion of Cotonou and its promotion of the EPAs, may find themselves equally disappointed with the realities of EU ‘development’ interventions beyond 2020.