Can Cabo Verde Join the European Union?

Cabo Verde, an island nation off the northwest coast of Africa, has long considered the possibility of joining the European Union (EU). However, several key challenges must be addressed before Cabo Verde can become a full member of the EU. This article explores the potential for Cabo Verde's EU membership, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities that could arise from such integration.

Geographical Location

As a country located in the Atlantic Ocean, Cabo Verde is not a traditional candidate for EU membership. The EU primarily consists of European countries, and its membership criteria tend to favor nations within the continent. This geographical barrier presents a significant obstacle to Cabo Verde's potential EU accession.

Candidacy Status

As of August 2023, Cabo Verde had not applied for EU membership and was not considered a candidate country. The EU's enlargement process typically favors countries within the European continent. Therefore, for Cabo Verde to join the EU, it would need to overcome its outsider status and align with the criteria of existing EU members.

Partnership Agreements

Cabo Verde has engaged in various agreements with the EU, including development cooperation and trade agreements, through frameworks such as the Cotonou Agreement. These partnerships have strengthened ties between the two entities but have not resulted in full membership. Such agreements support Cabo Verde's development and economic growth but fall short of the comprehensive integration provided by EU membership.

Political and Economic Criteria

To join the EU, countries must meet specific political and economic criteria, including stable institutions, a functioning democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and a functioning market economy. Cabo Verde has made progress in these areas, particularly in terms of democracy and economic stability, but it still has work to do to meet all of the EU's criteria comprehensively. Achieving these standards is a critical step for Cabo Verde on the path to EU membership.

Regional Integration

Cabo Verde is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). These regional integration efforts have influenced Cabo Verde's international relations and could play a role in its future integration into the EU. Nonetheless, these frameworks do not automatically guarantee EU membership and may require additional steps.

Alternative Path: Integration with Portugal

An alternative approach for Cabo Verde to achieve EU membership could be through integration with Portugal. Historically, Portugal has a strong connection to Cabo Verde, with many people in Cabo Verde having both Portuguese and African ancestry. If Cabo Verde were to join the EU as a confederate state of Portugal, the negotiations would likely be easier and could bring significant economic and social benefits to both countries. This could be achieved by reaching a political formula that allows Cabo Verde to rejoin Portugal with special self-governing rights and autonomy, which could then be voted on in referendums in both countries.

Conclusion

While Cabo Verde has a positive relationship with the EU through various agreements, its geographical location and the current EU membership criteria present significant obstacles to joining the union. However, the integration with Portugal offers a potential solution to these challenges. This path could not only bring Cabo Verde closer to EU membership but also offer economic, social, and cultural benefits to both nations.