In the Netherlands and the EU, there is an ambition to move towards a more circular system. Such a transition affects Dutch or European businesses, consumers and citizens, but also countries outside of Europe. These include low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which, as important manufacturing hubs and resource-based economies, are potential suppliers of circu...

This paper discusses the AU’s Partnerships Strategy and Policy Framework, which it is currently developing as part of its ongoing reform process. The objective of the strategy is to reformulate how the AU engages with external partners. The AU has a number of partnerships with countries, regional organisations and international institutions, but there is a realisat...

This paper discusses these two objectives and looks at how the AfCFTA and the FMP alter state relations on trade and movement of people, and how AfCFTA implementation will interact with existing regional agendas and initiatives. It looks at policy statements and the political economy dynamics likely to shape integration and cooperation efforts, and helps identify p...