ABSTRACT
Recent literature has argued that the European Union is using its provision of development cooperation to advance its geo-strategic interests. This chapter investigates whether there has been an equivalent rupture with the EU’s core normative commitment, namely, to conduct a human rights-based approach to development. A central component of a rights-based approach is the task of enhancing citizens’ ability to claim their rights. To strengthen citizens’ autonomy the EU states that it will include multiple stakeholders in its development policy and allow for a participatory approach. How does the EU fare with regards to this goal? On the one hand, I find that the EU seeks to continue its rights-based approach in the new partnership with the ACP states. On the other, the EU promotes a rights-based model which is restricted to national and EU executives handling violations of human rights. This executive-driven approach comes at the cost of promoting individuals’ and civil society’s right to autonomy and participation. Arguably, the EU’s approach prioritises support to duty-bearers (states) to uphold their obligations over the empowerment of rights-holders (individuals) to claim their rights.
