Външнотърговски Отношения Между Европейския Съюз И Регионалните Интеграционни Общности В Африка – Обобщение На Основните Изводи[International Trade Relations between the European Union and the Regional Economic Communities in Africa - Summary of Main Conclusions]

The paper summarises the main conclusions of an individual research project realised by the author which is part of the research programme of the Economic Research Institute at BAS and was carried out in the period March 2014 – September 2015. Within the study the overall economic situation of regional economic communities in Africa is assessed by examining the dynamics, commodity and geographical structure of international trade displaying the trends in their trade and economic relations and the challenges to their development. Summarising the various forms of EU’s influence an assessment of the potential and real effects of the Economic partnership agreements on trade relations between the EU and African regions is made, as well as on the regional integration processes on the continent,. The trends in trade and economic relations between the EU and African EPA regions and the prospects for their development are outlined by exploring the dynamics, commodity and geographical structure of foreign trade relations. Based on a detailed analysis of foreign trade relations for the period 2003-2013 some recommendations are made on the possible priority actions in the field of trade and economic cooperation through which to rebuild relationships between Bulgaria and the countries in Africa.