Access in Trade Negotiations Insights, July-August 2008, pages 5-6

The EPA agreements introduce binding TRIPS-plus standards in the Caribbean with non-binding commitments for
cooperation in innovation, technology transfer and cultural industry development. Whether the Caribbean will benefit
from the provisions for cooperation in innovation and technology transfer depends on further implementation
arrangements and funding from the Europeans. However, if the European Commission fails in its commitment to
cooperate on innovation, such failure will not be the basis or the Caribbean countries to derogate, withdraw, or change their commitment with respect to IP rights protection..