It means that ACP countries enter different types of cooperation relations with the EU according to criteria such as location, level of development, special needs, and past performance. Discussion is proving to be rather sensitive, especially as it sometimes questions the relevance of the ACP Group itself. However, there is an area of cooperation where we should aim for more differentiation, and where the parties are likely to be more receptive to the concept. This concerns the future of EU cooperation with countries facing political and social breakdown. Categorising countries is difficult.
People disagree on the criteria to be used and the countries to be included.
It is also difficult to ignore the reality. These figures show the size of the challenge facing the international community. First, we need genuine conflict prevention and resolution policies. However, many thorny issues still need to be faced. Neither sustainable development nor effective development cooperation can take place without a functioning State.