ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part.
Country
Type of law
Agreement
Abstract
The Parties have agreed to establish association with the following aims: (a) to promote political association and economic integration between the Parties based on common values and close links, including by increasing the Republic of Moldova s participation in EU policies, programs and agencies; (b) to promote cross-border cooperation and good neighborly relations; and (c) to support the efforts of the Republic of Moldova to develop its economic potential via international cooperation, also through the approximation of its legislation to that of the EU. The Parties shall cooperate in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection and to achieve compatibility between their systems of consumer protection. In order to achieve those objectives, the cooperation may comprise, when appropriate: (a) promoting exchange of information on consumer protection systems, including consumer legislation and its enforcement, consumer product safety, including market surveillance, consumer information systems and tools, consumer education, empowerment and consumer redress, and sales and service contracts concluded between traders and consumers; and (b) encouraging the development of independent consumer associations, including non-governmental consumer organizations (NGOs), and contacts between consumer representatives, as well as collaboration between authorities and NGOs in the field of consumer protection. The Parties shall cooperate to promote agricultural and rural development, in particular through progressive convergence of policies and legislation. Cooperation between the Parties in the field of agriculture and rural development shall cover, inter alia, the following areas: (a) facilitating the mutual understanding of agricultural and rural development policies; (b) enhancing the administrative capacities at central and local level in the planning, evaluation and implementation of policies in accordance with EU regulations and best practices; (c) promoting the modernization and the sustainability of agricultural production; (d) sharing knowledge and best practices of rural development policies to promote economic well-being for rural communities; (e) improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and the efficiency and transparency of the markets; (f) promoting quality policies and their control mechanisms, in particular geographical indications and organic farming; (g) disseminating knowledge and promoting extension services to agricultural producers; and (h) enhancing the harmonization of issues dealt within the framework of international organizations of which the Parties are members. The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on issues covering fisheries and maritime governance, thereby developing closer bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fisheries sector. The Parties shall also encourage an integrated approach to fisheries issues and promote sustainable fisheries development. The Parties will support initiatives, such as mutual exchange of experience and providing support, in order to ensure the implementation of a sustainable fisheries policy, including: (a) management of fisheries and aquaculture resources; (b) inspection and control of fishing activities, as well as development of corresponding administrative and judicial structures capable of applying appropriate measures; (c) collection of catch, landing, biological and economic data; (d) improving the efficiency of the markets, in particular by promoting producer organizations, providing information to consumers, and through marketing standards and traceability; and (e) development of a structural policy for the fisheries sector, with particular attention to the sustainable development of fisheries areas which are defined as an area with lake shore or including ponds or a river estuary and with a significant level of employment in the fisheries sector. Taking into account their cooperation in the spheres of fisheries, transport, environment and other sea-related policies, the Parties shall also develop cooperation and mutual support, when appropriate, on maritime issues, in particular by actively supporting an integrated approach to maritime affairs and good governance in the Black Sea in the relevant international maritime fora. The Parties shall cooperate on the following environmental issues: (a) air quality; (b) water quality and resource management, including flood risk management, water scarcity and droughts; (c) waste and resource management and shipment of waste; (d) nature protection, including conservation and protection of biological and landscape diversity; (e) industrial pollution and industrial hazards; (f) chemicals; (g) noise pollution; (h) soil protection; (i) urban and rural environment; (j) environmental fees and taxes; (k) monitoring and environmental information systems; (l) inspection and enforcement; and (m) eco-innovation including best available technologies. The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation to combat climate change. Cooperation shall be conducted considering the interests of the Parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and taking into account the interdependence existing between bilateral and multilateral commitments in this field. Cooperation shall promote measures at domestic, regional and international level, including in the areas of: (a) mitigation of climate change; (b) adaptation to climate change; (c) carbon trading; (d) research, development, demonstration, deployment and diffusion of safe and sustainable low-carbon and adaptation technologies; (e) mainstreaming of climate considerations into sector policies; and (f) awareness raising, education and training.
Attached files
Web site
Date of text
Entry into force notes
This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month following the date of the deposit of the last instrument of ratification or approval.
Notes
This Agreement is concluded for an unlimited period.
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Implemented by