A large delegation of S&D Euro MPs will head tomorrow to St. Julian’s in Malta to meet their counterparts from the African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries (ACP) in the framework of the 33rd session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA) that will be held from 17 to 21 June. 

The S&D spokeswoman on African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries (ACP), Marie Arena (Belgium) and the vice-presidents of the ACP-EU JPA, Cécile Kyenge (Italy), Juan Fernando López Aguilar (Spain) and Louis-Joseph Manscour (France), together with other S&D Euro MPs, will participate in intense discussions with parliamentarians, governments and civil society representatives from Europe and the ACP countries.

The topics to be discussed range from the situation in Burundi and security in the Sahel to migration and famine. Following the discussions, the parliamentarians will vote on three reports pertaining to the financing of political parties, to security and development challenges, and to the improvement and effectiveness of aid.

 The plenary will start with the 16th session of the Women’s Forum, which is organised by the S&D Group, and will focus on rights and opportunities for women with a migrant background.

The main objective of the 33rd session is to discuss possibilities on how to enhance co-operation between the EU and ACP countries in order to better face common challenges and jointly explore opportunities. In this context, the consolidation of democracy, the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are essential. 

The Socialists and Democrats will also take the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of our progressive family to the development of the ACP countries. The EU is the largest donor of official development aid in the world helping countries across the world in their fight against poverty. 

The sessions will be attended by a large number of high-level speakers, including Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca (President of the Republic of Malta) and Angelo Farrugia (speaker of the House of Representatives). The plenary will also address the Commissioners Neven Mimica and Christos Stylianides.

Please find the detailed programme attached below

Time: 17 to 21 June 2017, Venue: St. Julian’s, Malta

Hashtags:

#ACPEUWomen (for Women's Forum event)
#ACPEU (official hashtag for the week)
#withAfrica (S&D campaign) 

The committee meetings, the youth workshop, women's forum and the plenary session are open to media.