Association Agreement

Association Agreement – an accord signed between the EU and a non-member state, establishing enhanced cooperation between parties in areas such as political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, social policy, education, culture, etc. The Association agreements contain rights and obligations of both sides which typically include provisions concerning liberalization of trade (sometimes establishment of free trade zones), services, capital and movement of people, economic cooperation. They also contain commitments by the associated country to harmonise with the acquis communautaire and implement domestic legislation in areas identified in the agreement, commitments of financial and technical assistance from the EU. All Association Agreement provide an institutional framework for cooperation by establishing (typically) an Association Council, an Association Committee and a Parliamentary Association Committee.