1^er MAI 2006. - An Act to approve the Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, on the other hand, and the Annex, made in Rome on 15 December 2003 (1) (2)

ALBERT II, King of the Belgians,
To all, present and to come, Hi.
The Chambers adopted and We sanction the following:
Article 1^er. This Act regulates a matter referred to in Article 77 of the Constitution.
Art. 2. The Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, on the other hand, and the Annex, made in Rome on 15 December 2003, will come out their full and full effect.
Promulgation of this law, let us order that it be clothed with the seal of the State and published by the Belgian Monitor.
Given in Brussels, 1^er May 2006.
ALBERT
By the King:
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
K. DE GUCHT
The Secretary of State for European Affairs,
DONFUT
Seal of the state seal:
The Minister of Justice,
Ms. L. ONKELINX
____
Notes
(1) Session 2005-2006:
Senaat:
Documents. - Bill tabled on 11 January 2006, No. 3-1503/1. - Report, no. 3-1503/2
Annales parliamentarians. - Discussion. Session of February 9, 2006. - Vote. Session of February 9, 2006.
House of Representatives:
Documents. - Project transmitted by the Senate, No. 51-2278/1. - Text adopted in plenary and subject to Royal Assent, No. 51-2278/2.
Annales parliamentarians. - Discussion. Session of March 23, 2006. - Vote. Session of March 23, 2006.
(2) See decree of the Flemish Community/ Flemish Region of 22 December 2006 (Belgian Monitor of 27 February 2007); Decree of the French Community of 10 March 2006 (Moniteur belge of 8 May 2006); Decree of the German-speaking Community of 29 October 2007 (Moniteur belge of 4 January 2008); Decree of the Walloon Region of 16 March 2006 (Moniteur belge of 30 March 2006); ordinance of the Brussels-Capital Region of 20 July 2005 (Belgian Monitor of 29 August 2005); Ordinance of the Joint Community Commission of 12 January 2006 (Belgian Monitor of 31 January 2006).

Agreement on Political Dialogue and Cooperation between the European Community and its Member States, on the one hand, and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, on the other hand
BELGIUM,
DANEMARK,
THE GERMANY FEDERAL REPUBLIC
LA REPUBLIQUE HELLENIQUE,
SPANISH ROY,
THE FRENCH REPUBLIC,
IRELAND,
THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC,
LUXEMBOURG,
ROYAUME DES PAYS-BAS,
THE REPUBLIC OF AUTRICHE,
THE PORTUGAISE REPUBLIC,
THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND,
The SUEDE ROYAUME,
THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTH IRELAND,
Contracting Parties to the Treaty establishing the European Community and to the Treaty on the European Union, below referred to as "Member States", and
THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, hereafter referred to as the "Community",
on the one hand, and
THE REPUBLIC OF COSTA RICA
THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR,
THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA,
THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS,
LA REPUBLIQUE DU NICARAGUA,
THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA,
on the other hand,
Considering the traditional historical and cultural ties between the parties and their desire to strengthen their relations on the basis of the principles that govern them at present;
Considering that the positive evolution observed in the two regions over the past decade has helped to promote common goals and interests, and to enter into a new phase of more in-depth, modern and permanent relations, aimed at addressing current internal challenges and international events;
Reaffirming their respect for the democratic principles and fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Recalling their commitment to the principles of the rule of law and good governance;
Attached to the principles of shared responsibility and convinced of the importance of preventing the use of illicit drugs, reducing their harmful effects, and also combating the illicit cultivation, production, processing and trafficking of drugs and their precursors,
Emphasizing their commitment to work together to achieve the goals of poverty eradication, equitable and sustainable development, taking into account aspects such as vulnerability to natural disasters, the conservation and protection of the environment and biodiversity, as well as the progressive integration of Central American countries into the global economy;
Emphasizing the importance attached by the parties to the consolidation of political dialogue and the process of economic cooperation between the parties in the framework of the San José dialogue established in 1984 and revived in Florence in 1996 and Madrid in 2002;
Emphasizing the need to strengthen the cooperation programme governed by the cooperation framework agreement signed in 1993 between the European Community and the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, as described below as the "Country Framework Agreement" of 1993;
Acknowledging the progress made in the Central American economic integration process, such as efforts to establish a customs union quickly, the entry into force of the dispute settlement mechanism, the signing of the Central American Treaty on Investments and Trade in Services, and the need to deepen the regional integration process, regional trade liberalization and economic reforms in Central America;
Recognizing the need to promote sustainable development in both regions through a development partnership that brings together all relevant actors, including civil society and the private sector, in accordance with the principles set out in the Monterrey Consensus and the Johannesburg Declaration and its implementation plan;
Convinced of the need for cooperation on migration;
Recognizing that no provision of this Agreement relates to the position of the parties in bilateral or multilateral, current or future trade negotiations, or shall not be construed as defining this position,
Emphasizing the willingness to cooperate in international forums;
Bearing in mind the strategic partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the 1999 Rio Summit, and reaffirmed at the 2002 Madrid Summit; and
Taking into account the Madrid declaration of May 2002,
have decided to conclude this Agreement:
PART I^er. - PRINCIPLES, OBJECTIVES AND CHAMP OF AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 1^er
Principles
1. Respect for both the democratic principles and fundamental human rights defined in the universal declaration of human rights, and the principle of the rule of law, inspires the internal and international policies of the parties and constitutes an essential element of this agreement.
2. The parties confirm their commitment to sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.
3. The contracting parties also reaffirm their commitment to the principles of good governance and the fight against corruption.
ARTICLE 2
Objectives and scope
1. The parties confirm their common objective of strengthening their relations through the development of political dialogue and cooperation.
2. They also confirm their decision to strengthen their cooperation in trade, investment and economic relations.
3. The parties confirm their common objective of working to create the conditions that could be used to negotiate, building on the results of the Doha work programme that they committed themselves to achieving, by the end of 2004, a realistic and mutually beneficial association agreement, including a free trade zone.
4. The implementation of the agreement should help to create these conditions through the search for political and social stability, the deepening of the regional integration process and the reduction of poverty in the context of sustainable development in Central America.
5. This Agreement governs the political dialogue and cooperation between the parties and includes the institutional arrangements necessary for its implementation. Nothing in this Agreement shall determine the position of the parties in bilateral or multilateral, current or future trade negotiations.
6. The parties undertake to regularly assess the progress made, taking into account the progress made before the agreement comes into force.
PART II. - POLITICAL DIALOGUE
ARTICLE 3
Objectives
1. The parties agree to strengthen their regular political dialogue on the basis of the principles set out in the joint statements of the San José dialogue, including in the statements of San José (28 and 29 September 1984), Florence (21 March 1996) and Madrid (18 May 2002).
2. The parties agree that political dialogue should cover all aspects of mutual interest and any other international issues. It will be used to prepare for the development of new initiatives for the pursuit of common objectives and the establishment of a common basis in areas such as regional integration, poverty reduction and social cohesion, sustainable development, regional security and stability, conflict prevention and resolution, human rights, democracy, good governance, migratory flows, the fight against corruption and the fight against terrorism, small arms and light weapons, It will also provide a basis for initiatives and will support efforts to develop initiatives, including cooperation, and actions across Latin America.
3. The parties agree that this political dialogue will allow a broad exchange of information and will provide a forum for the development of joint initiatives at the international level.
ARTICLE 4
Mechanisms
The parties agree that the political dialogue will be conducted:
(a) where appropriate and when appropriate, at the level of Heads of State and Government;
(b) at the ministerial level, in particular as part of the ministerial meeting of the San José dialogue;
(c) at the senior level;
(d) at the service level;
and will pass through diplomatic channels as much as possible.
ARTICLE 5
Cooperation in the field of foreign policy and security
To the extent possible and in accordance with their interests, the parties shall endeavour to coordinate their positions and to take joint initiatives in appropriate international forums and to cooperate in the field of foreign and security policy.
PART III. - COOPERATION
ARTICLE 6
Objectives
1. The parties agree that the cooperation provided for in the 1993 Framework Agreement will be strengthened and extended to other areas. It will focus on:
(a) promote political and social stability through democracy, respect for human rights and good governance;
(b) deepen the process of regional integration among Central American countries in order to contribute to greater economic growth and to the progressive improvement of the quality of life of their inhabitants;
(c) Reduce poverty and promote more equitable access to social services and the benefits of economic growth, ensuring a fair balance between economic, social and environmental components in the context of sustainable development.
2. The parties agree that cooperation will also take into account the cross-cutting aspects of socio-economic development, including issues of equality between men and women, respect for indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in Central America, prevention and management of natural disasters, environmental protection, biodiversity, cultural diversity, research and technological development. Regional integration will also be considered a cross-cutting issue and, in this regard, cooperation actions at the national level should be consistent with this process.
3. The parties agree that measures to promote regional integration in Central America and strengthen interregional relations between the two parties will be encouraged.
ARTICLE 7
Averages
The parties agree that cooperation will be implemented through technical and financial assistance, studies, training programs, information exchanges and know-how, meetings and seminars, research projects, or any other means approved by the parties in the area of cooperation, objectives pursued and means made available in accordance with the standards and regulations applicable to such cooperation. All cooperating entities will be subject to transparent and accountable resource management.
ARTICLE 8
Cooperation in human rights, democracy and good governance
The parties agree that cooperation in this area will be aimed at providing active support to governments and civil society representatives through actions in particular in the following areas:
(a) the promotion and defence of human rights and the consolidation of the democratic process, including the proper management of electoral procedures;
(b) strengthening the rule of law and effective and transparent management of public affairs, in particular combating corruption at the local, regional and national levels; and
(c) guaranteeing an independent and effective judicial system.
ARTICLE 9
Conflict prevention cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to promote and maintain a comprehensive peace policy that promotes dialogue among democratic nations on current challenges, including conflict prevention and resolution, peace restoration and justice in the field of human rights. This policy will be based on the principle of ownership and will focus on the development of regional, subregional and national capacities. In order to prevent conflict, or if necessary, it will aim to ensure that all components of society enjoy the same political, economic, social and cultural opportunities, to strengthen democratic legitimacy, to promote social cohesion and the effectiveness of public affairs management, to establish effective mechanisms for peaceful conciliation of the interests of different groups and to promote an active and organized civil society, including by drawing on existing regional institutions.
2. Among the activities envisaged, it will be possible, inter alia, to support country mediation, negotiation and reconciliation processes, efforts to assist children, women and the elderly and efforts to combat anti-personnel mines.
3. The parties also cooperate in the area of prevention and combating illegal trafficking in small arms and light weapons, with a view to developing coordination of actions to strengthen cooperation in the legal, institutional and police fields, as well as the collection and destruction of small arms and light weapons illegally held by civilians.
ARTICLE 10
Cooperation in the modernization of the state and public administration
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to modernize the public administration of the Central American countries and make it more professional, and in particular to support the decentralization processes as well as organizational changes induced by the integration process of Central America. The objective will generally be to improve organizational efficiency, to ensure transparent management of public finances by focusing on accountability, and to improve the legal and institutional framework, including on the basis of the best practices of each party and the experience gained by developing policies and instruments in the European Union.
2. This may include the implementation of programmes to develop the capacity to design and implement policies of common interest (public services, budget development and execution, prevention and control of corruption and strengthening of judicial systems). )
ARTICLE 11
Regional integration cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area is intended to strengthen the process of regional integration in Central America and in particular the construction and implementation of its common market
2. Cooperation will support the development and strengthening of institutions common to Central America and encourage closer cooperation among the institutions concerned.
3. Co-operation activities will also aim to promote the development of common policies and the harmonization of the legal framework, since these areas are covered exclusively by the Central American integration instruments and in the manner agreed between the parties; These include sectoral policies in the areas of trade, customs, energy, transport, communications, the environment and competition, as well as the coordination of macroeconomic policies in areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy and public finances.
4. Specifically, this cooperation will, among other things, focus on the provision of trade-related technical assistance in support of the following activities:
(a) strengthening the process of consolidating and implementing a Central American customs union;
(b) reduction and elimination of barriers to trade development at the regional level;
(c) cooperation to simplify, modernize, harmonize and integrate customs and transit regimes and support for the development of legislation, standards and vocational training; and
(d) strengthening the process for the consolidation and operation of a regional common market.
ARTICLE 12
Regional cooperation
The parties agree to use all existing instruments of cooperation to promote activities aimed at developing active and reciprocal cooperation between the European Union and Central America, on the one hand, and, without prejudice to the cooperation between the parties, between the countries of Central America and other countries/regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, on the other hand, in areas such as the promotion of trade and technological investment, the environment, prevention and
ARTICLE 13
Trade cooperation
1. The parties agree that trade cooperation will promote the integration of Central American countries into the global economy. It will also aim to promote, through technical assistance related to trade, the expansion and diversification as advanced as possible of interregional trade and to facilitate as much as possible trade with the European Union.
2. The parties agree to implement an integrated trade cooperation programme to maximize the potential for trade, by expanding the productive basis for trade, including by establishing mechanisms to address the challenges inherent in greater competition in the market and developing the skills, instruments and techniques required to enable the rapid realization of all the benefits of trade.
3. In order to implement the cooperation programme and to maximize the potential of bilateral, regional or multilateral negotiations and agreements, the parties agree to strengthen the development of regional technical capacities.
ARTICLE 14
Services cooperation
1. In the services sector, in accordance with the rules of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the parties agree to strengthen their cooperation in order to reflect the increasing importance of services for the development and diversification of their respective economies. The purpose of this enhanced cooperation will be to improve the competitiveness of the services sector in Central America while meeting the criteria for sustainable development.
2. The parties will determine the areas on which the co-operation effort will be a priority. Activities will focus, among other things, on the regulatory environment as well as access to funding sources and technology.
ARTICLE 15
Intellectual property cooperation
The parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to promote investment, technology transfer, the dissemination of information, cultural and creative activities and other related economic activities, as well as wider access and benefit-sharing in the areas they have defined. Cooperation will also aim to improve legislation, regulations and policies in order to ensure a level of protection and implementation of intellectual property rights that conforms to the strictest international standards and conventions.
ARTICLE 16
Cooperation in public procurement
The parties agree that cooperation in this area should ensure reciprocal, non-discriminatory and transparent procedures and, if appropriate, open (1) for public procurement and, where appropriate, at all levels.
ARTICLE 17
Cooperation in the field of competition policy
The parties agree that cooperation in this area will be aimed at promoting the effective introduction and application of competition rules and the dissemination of information to promote transparency and legal security for companies operating in the Central American and European Union markets.
ARTICLE 18
Customs cooperation
1. The parties agree that the aim of cooperation in this area will be to develop customs and trade simplification measures and to promote exchanges of information on their customs systems in order to simplify trade between them.
2. Cooperation activities may, at the option of the parties, include:
(a) the simplification and harmonization of import and export documents on the basis of international standards, and in particular the use of simplified declarations;
(b) the improvement of customs procedures through the use of methods such as risk assessment, simplified procedures for declaration and free practice of goods and the granting of registered operator status, using the exchange of computerized data (EDI) and automated systems;
(c) the application of measures to improve transparency and appeal procedures against customs decisions;
(d) the introduction of mechanisms to ensure regular consultations with the commercial community on import and export regulations and procedures.
3. The parties agree to consider the conclusion of a mutual assistance protocol on customs matters within the institutional framework established by this Agreement.
ARTICLE 19
Cooperation in technical regulation and conformity assessment
1. The parties agree that cooperation in standards, technical regulation and conformity assessment is an essential objective for the development of trade, especially interregional exchanges.
2. The objective of cooperation between the parties will be to promote efforts in the following areas:
(a) the provision of technical assistance programmes to Central American countries in standardization, accreditation, certification and metrology to develop, in these areas, a compatible system and structures:
- with international standards;
- with essential requirements to protect the safety and health of people, to ensure the conservation of plants and animals, to protect consumers and the environment.
(b) this cooperation will be aimed at facilitating market access.
3. In concrete terms, cooperation will ensure:
(a) provide organizational and technical support to encourage the creation of regional networks and organizations and to strengthen policy coordination to promote a common approach to international and regional standards related to technical regulations and compliance assessment procedures;
(b) encourage any measures to reduce the gap between parties in the areas of conformity assessment and standardization; and
(c) encourage any measures to improve transparency, good regulatory practices and the promotion of quality standards for business products and practices.
ARTICLE 20
Industrial cooperation
1. The parties agree that the objective of industrial cooperation will be to encourage the modernization and restructuring of the Central American industry and various sectors, as well as industrial cooperation among economic operators, with a view to strengthening the private sector in conditions guaranteeing the protection of the environment.
2. Industrial cooperation initiatives will translate the priorities identified by the parties. They will take into account regional aspects of industrial development by encouraging transnational partnerships, where appropriate. In particular, they will aim to establish an appropriate framework for improving management know-how and promoting transparency in the markets and conditions under which companies operate.
ARTICLE 21
Cooperation in the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and microenterprises
The parties will focus on promoting an environment conducive to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and microenterprises through, inter alia, the following:
(a) encourage contacts between economic operators, joint investments and joint enterprises and information networks through existing horizontal programmes;
b) facilitate access to funding sources, provide information and stimulate innovation.
ARTICLE 22
Cooperation in agriculture, forestry, rural development and sanitary and phytosanitary measures
1. The parties agree to promote mutual cooperation in the agriculture sector in order to encourage sustainable agriculture, agricultural and rural development, forestry, sustainable economic and social development and food security in Central American countries.
2. Co-operation focuses on capacity-building, infrastructure and technology transfer, including:
(a) sanitary, phytosanitary, environmental and food quality measures, taking into account the legislation in force in both parties and in accordance with WTO rules and other relevant international organizations;
(b) diversification and restructuring of agricultural sectors;
(c) mutual exchange of information, including on the development of agricultural policies of the parties;
(d) technical assistance to improve productivity and exchange of new culture techniques;
(e) scientific and technological experiences;
(f) measures to improve the quality of agricultural products, capacity-building measures for producer associations and trade promotion activities;
(g) capacity-building for the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to facilitate market access and ensure an appropriate level of health protection, in accordance with the provisions of the WTO SPS Agreement.
ARTICLE 23
Cooperation in the field of fisheries and aquaculture
The parties agree to develop economic and technical cooperation in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, in particular with regard to the sustainable use, management and conservation of fisheries resources and the assessment of environmental impact. Cooperation must also focus on areas such as the processing industry and trade facilitation. It may lead to the conclusion of bilateral fisheries agreements between the parties or between the European Community and one or more Central American countries and/or the conclusion of multilateral fisheries agreements between the two parties.
ARTICLE 24
Cooperation in the mining field
The parties agree that, in the light of environmental conservation aspects, cooperation in the mining field will focus on the following actions:
(a) promote the participation of companies from parties in mineral exploration, exploitation and wise use activities in accordance with their respective legislation;
(b) promote the exchange of information, experience and technology with respect to mine prospecting and mining;
(c) promote the exchange of experts and conduct joint research to increase opportunities for technological development;
(d) develop measures to stimulate investment in this area and in accordance with the laws of each Central American country and the European Union and its member States;
e) develop measures to ensure environmental integrity and corporate responsibility for the environment.
ARTICLE 25
Energy cooperation
1. The parties agree that their common objective will be to promote cooperation in the field of energy, particularly in key sectors such as hydroelectricity, electricity, oil and gas, renewable energy, energy saving technologies, campaign electrification and regional integration of energy markets, while respecting national legislation.
2. Cooperation will focus on:
(a) the development and programming of energy policy, including the interconnection of regional infrastructure, the improvement and diversification of supply and the improvement of access to energy markets, including the facilitation of transit, transport and distribution in Central American countries;
(b) management and training in the energy sector and the transfer of technology and know-how;
(c) the promotion of energy saving, energy efficiency, renewable energy and the study of the environmental impact of energy production and consumption;
(d) promoting a clean development mechanism to support climate change initiatives and their variability;
(e) the issue of a clean and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
ARTICLE 26
Transport cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area will focus on the restructuring and modernization of transport systems and infrastructure, the improvement of passenger and freight mobility and the facilitation of access to urban, air, marine, river, rail and road transport markets through the development of operational and administrative transport management and the promotion of high operating standards.
2. Cooperation may extend to:
(a) an exchange of information on the policies of the parties, in particular with regard to urban transport and the interconnection and interoperability of multimodal transport networks and other issues of mutual interest;
(b) the management of railways, ports and airports, including the desired cooperation between the competent authorities;
(c) cooperation projects for the transfer of European technologies in the global navigation satellite system and urban transit centres;
(d) the improvement of safety and pollution prevention standards, including cooperation in relevant international forums to ensure better implementation of international standards.
ARTICLE 27
Cooperation in the field of information society, information technology and telecommunications
1. The parties agree that information and communications technologies are essential sectors in a modern society and are of crucial importance to its economic and social development and a smooth transition to the information society. Cooperation in this area will help to reduce the digital divide and develop human resources.
2. Cooperation in this area will promote:
(a) dialogue on all aspects of the information society;
(b) dialogue on the regulatory and policy aspects of information and communications technology, including standards, while respecting the national legislation of the parties;
(c) the exchange of information on standards, conformity assessment and type reception;
(d) the dissemination of new information and communications technologies;
(e) joint research projects on information and communications technology and pilot projects in the areas of information society applications;
(f) interconnection and interoperability of telematic networks and services;
(g) exchanges and training of experts;
(h) computerization of public administration.
ARTICLE 28
Cooperation in the field of audiovisual
The parties agree to promote cooperation in the audiovisual and media sector in general, through joint training initiatives, as well as the development of audiovisual and production and dissemination activities, particularly in the areas of education and culture. Cooperation will be carried out in accordance with national copyright provisions and international agreements in this area.
ARTICLE 29
Cooperation in the field of tourism
The parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to consolidate best practices to ensure a balanced and sustainable development of tourism in Central America. Cooperation should also aim to develop strategies to better position and promote the region in Europe as a competitive tourism destination.
ARTICLE 30
Cooperation between financial institutions
The parties agree that they will strive to promote cooperation between national and regional financial institutions, based on their needs and within their respective programmes and legislation.
ARTICLE 31
Cooperation in investment promotion
1. The parties agree to promote, within their respective competencies, a stable environment that can attract mutual investment.
2. This cooperation will include:
(a) encourage and develop mechanisms for the exchange and dissemination of information on investment legislation and opportunities in this area;
(b) To develop a mutually supportive legal framework for investment in both regions, by the possible conclusion, between the Member States and the Central American countries, of bilateral agreements promoting and protecting investment;
(c) To promote simplified administrative procedures;
(d) develop common enterprise mechanisms.
ARTICLE 32
Macroeconomic dialogue
1. The parties agree that cooperation will aim to promote the exchange of information on the respective macroeconomic trends and policies of the parties and the sharing of experience gained in the coordination of macroeconomic policies in a common market.
2. The parties endeavour to deepen the dialogue between their respective authorities on macroeconomic issues, including in areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, public finances, macroeconomic stabilization and external debt.
ARTICLE 33
Statistical cooperation
1. The parties agree that the main objective will be to align statistical methods and programmes, including the collection and dissemination of statistics, with the objective of creating indicators that ensure a better comparability between the parties, in order to enable them to use their statistics on trade in goods and services in a reciprocal manner and, more generally, any other areas under the agreement and for which statistics can be established.
2. Cooperation activities may include, inter alia, technical exchanges between the statistical institutes of Central America and the member states of the European Union and Eurostat; development of advanced methods and, where appropriate, consistent data collection, analysis and interpretation; organizing seminars, working groups or statistical training programs.
ARTICLE 34
Cooperation in consumer protection
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area should be, inter alia, and to the extent possible:
(a) Strengthen the compatibility of consumer protection legislation to avoid trade barriers while ensuring a high level of consumer protection;
b) promote the exchange of information on consumer protection systems.
ARTICLE 35
Data protection cooperation
1. The parties agree to cooperate in protection for the processing of personal data and other data in order to meet the highest international standards.
2. The parties also agree to cooperate in the area of personal data protection in order to improve the level of protection and to endeavour to eliminate obstacles to their free movement between the parties, while respecting the national legislation of the parties.
ARTICLE 36
Scientific and technical cooperation
1. The parties agree that scientific and technical cooperation will be carried out in their mutual interest and in accordance with their own policies and that it will aim to:
(a) exchange, at the regional level, scientific and technical information and experiences, in particular in the area of policy and programme implementation;
(b) Promoting human resources development;
(c) promote the relationship between the scientific communities of the parties;
(d) Encourage the business sector of the parties to participate in scientific and technical cooperation, including for the promotion of innovation;
e) encourage innovation and technology transfer between the parties, particularly with regard to online administration and "clean" technologies.
2. Parties agree to promote and strengthen scientific research, technological development and innovation involving higher education institutions, research centres; production sectors; participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in both sides will be particularly encouraged.
3. The parties agree to develop scientific and technological cooperation between universities, research institutions and the productive sectors of the two regions, including the award of scholarships and exchanges of high-level students and experts.
4. The parties also agree to strengthen cooperation between scientific, technological and innovation institutions for the promotion, diffusion and transfer of technology.
ARTICLE 37
Education and training cooperation
1. The parties agree that the purpose of cooperation in this area will be to determine how to improve teaching and vocational training. To this end, special attention will be given to access to education and, in particular, to technical courses, higher education and vocational training for young people, women, indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in Central America, as well as the elderly. In this context, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is also a priority.
2. In order to enhance the know-how of supervisory personnel, both parties agree to cooperate more closely in the areas of education and vocational training and to encourage cooperation between universities and between companies
3. The parties also agree to give particular attention to decentralized operations and programs (ALFA, ALBAN, URB-AL, etc.), which create permanent links between specialized agencies of both parties, which will promote the sharing and exchange of experience and technical resources. Cooperation in this regard can also be directed to education and training programmes and programmes that meet the specific needs of Central American countries.
4. The parties encourage the education of Aboriginal people, especially in their own language.
ARTICLE 38
Environmental and biodiversity cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to promote environmental protection in the context of sustainable development. In this regard, the link between poverty and the environment and the impact of economic activities on the environment is considered important. Cooperation must also be a means of encouraging genuine participation in international environmental agreements such as climate change, biodiversity, desertification and chemicals management.
2. Cooperation will focus on:
(a) Prevention of environmental degradation; cooperation should include the transfer of sustainable and/or clean technologies;
(b) Promoting the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources (including biodiversity and genetic resources);
(c) Encouragement of national and regional monitoring of biodiversity;
(d) the exchange of information and experience regarding environmental legislation and environmental problems on both sides;
(e) promoting the harmonization of environmental legislation in Central America;
(f) strengthening environmental management in all sectors and at all levels of government;
(g) awareness of environmental issues, capacity-building and the strengthening of citizen participation;
(h) promoting joint research programmes at the regional level.
ARTICLE 39
Cooperation in natural disasters
The parties agree that cooperation efforts in this area will aim to reduce the vulnerability of Central America to natural disasters by strengthening regional research and planning, controlling capacity for prevention, intervention and rehabilitation, harmonizing the legal framework and improving institutional coordination and government support.
ARTICLE 40
Cultural cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in this area, cultural links and contacts between cultural agents in both regions will be strengthened.
2. The objective will be to promote cultural cooperation among the parties, taking into account and fostering synergies with the bilateral programmes of the Member States of the European Union.
3. Co-operation will be carried out in accordance with applicable national and international copyright agreements.
4. Such cooperation may cover all cultural areas, including:
(a) translation of literary works;
(b) the conservation, restoration and revitalization of cultural heritage;
(c) cultural events and similar events as well as the exchange of artists and professionals in the cultural field;
(d) promoting cultural diversity, including that of indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in Central America;
(e) Youth exchange;
(f) Combating trafficking in cultural heritage elements and prevention in this area;
(g) the promotion of crafts and cultural industries.
ARTICLE 41
Health cooperation
1. The parties agree that cooperation in the health sector will aim to support sectoral reforms aimed at achieving equitable and adequate health services for the poor, as well as fair funding mechanisms, which facilitate access to health care and food security.
2. The parties agree that primary prevention also requires consideration of other dimensions such as education, water and hygiene. In this regard, the parties will strive to strengthen and develop non-restricted partnerships in the health sector, with a view to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, including the fight against AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other epidemics. It is also necessary to enter into partnerships with civil society, NGOs and the private sector in order to deal with issues of sexual and reproductive health and related rights, respecting equality between men and women, and to work with young people to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, provided these objectives do not contravene the legal framework and cultural sensitivity of the countries in question.
ARTICLE 42
Social cooperation
1. The parties agree to cooperate to encourage social partners to participate in a dialogue on living and working conditions, social protection and integration in society. In particular, it will be taken into account the need to avoid any discriminatory treatment of nationals of one of the parties having their legal residence in the territory of the other party.
2. The parties underline the importance of social development, which must go hand in hand with economic development and agree to give priority to employment, housing and human settlements, in accordance with their respective constitutional policies and provisions, and to the promotion of fundamental principles and rights at the workplace defined by the International Labour Organization conventions, namely "Basic Standards of Labour".
3. The parties may cooperate in any area of mutual interest in the areas mentioned above.
4. Where applicable, and in accordance with their internal procedures, the parties will conduct this dialogue in coordination with the European Economic and Social Committee and its Central American counterpart respectively.
ARTICLE 43
Participation of civil society in cooperation activities
1. The parties recognize the role and potential contribution of civil society to the cooperation process and will promote genuine dialogue with civil society.
2. Subject to compliance with the administrative and legal provisions of each party, civil society may:
(a) be associated with the decision-making process at the national level, based on democratic principles;
(b) be informed of and participate in the consultations on sectoral policies and development and cooperation strategies, including in areas affecting them, at all stages of the development process;
(c) benefit from financial resources, to the extent that the regulation of each party permits, as well as capacity development assistance in critical areas;
(d) Participate in the implementation of cooperation programmes in the areas concerned.
ARTICLE 44
Cooperation in gender equality
The parties agree that cooperation will contribute to strengthening policies, programmes and mechanisms to improve, ensure and strengthen the equal participation of men and women in all sectors of political, economic, social and cultural life, including, where appropriate, through the adoption of positive measures for women. It will also help to facilitate women's access to all the resources necessary for the full enjoyment of their human rights.
ARTICLE 45
Cooperation with indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in Central America
1. The parties agree that the aim of this cooperation will be to help promote the creation of organizations for the indigenous and other ethnic groups of Central America and to support existing organizations, with a view to promoting the goals of poverty eradication, sustainable development of natural resources and respect for human rights, democracy and cultural diversity.
2. In addition to the systematic consideration of the situation of indigenous peoples and other ethnic groups in Central America at all levels of development cooperation, the parties will agree to integrate the specificity of these groups into the development of their policies and to strengthen the capacities of organizations representing indigenous populations, so as to increase the positive effects of development cooperation on these populations, while respecting their national and international obligations.
ARTICLE 46
Cooperation with regard to rooted populations and demobilized combatants
1. The parties agree that cooperation in favour of the rooted populations and demobilized combatants will aim to help address their essential needs between the time humanitarian assistance ends and the time a longer-term solution is adopted to address the issue of their status.
2. This cooperation will focus on:
(a) seeking self-sufficiency and reintegration of rooted populations and combatants demobilized into the socio-economic fabric;
(b) assists local host communities and return areas to facilitate the acceptance and integration of rooted populations and demobilized fighters;
(c) support for the voluntary return of these populations and their installation in their countries of origin or in third countries, if conditions permit;
(d) operations to help these populations recover their property or property rights, and assist in the resolution of human rights violations against them;
(e) strengthening the institutional capacity of countries facing these issues;
(f) support for the reintegration of these populations into political, social and productive life, including through a reconciliation process, where appropriate.
ARTICLE 47
Cooperation in combating illicit drugs and related crime
1. On the basis of the principle of co-responsibility, the parties agree that cooperation in this area will aim to coordinate and intensify joint efforts to prevent and reduce the production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs. The parties also agree to endeavour to combat crime related to trafficking through, inter alia, international organizations and bodies. Without prejudice to other mechanisms of cooperation, the parties also agree to use the coordination and cooperation mechanism on drugs between the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean to that end.
2. The parties will cooperate in this area to implement, inter alia:
(a) drug prevention programmes, including in vulnerable and high-risk groups;
(b) training, education, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts and reintegration in society;
(c) projects promoting the harmonization of legislation and actions in this sector in Central America;
(d) joint research programmes;
(e) cooperative measures and actions to encourage alternative activities, including the encouragement of legal crops of small producers;
(f) measures to combat the trade of precursors and essential products equivalent to those adopted by the European Community and relevant international bodies;
(g) measures to reduce the supply of illicit drugs, such as training in administrative control systems to avoid diversion of chemical precursors, as well as related crime surveillance.
ARTICLE 48
Cooperation in combating money laundering and related crime
1. The parties agree to cooperate to prevent the use of their financial systems for the laundering of revenues generated by criminal activities in general and drug trafficking in particular.
2. This cooperation includes the provision of administrative and technical assistance for the development and implementation of regulations and the effective application of appropriate standards and mechanisms. In particular, cooperation will enable the exchange of useful information and the adoption of appropriate standards to combat money-laundering, comparable to those adopted by the European Community and international organizations active in this area, such as the Financial Action Group (FATF) and the United Nations. Regional cooperation will be encouraged.
ARTICLE 49
Cooperation in immigration
1. The parties reaffirm the importance of joint management of migratory flows between their territories. In order to strengthen their cooperation, they will engage in a comprehensive dialogue on all migration issues, including clandestine immigration, human trafficking and refugee flows. Migration issues must be integrated into national socio-economic development strategies in countries of origin, transit and destination for migrants.
2. Cooperation will recognize the migratory phenomenon and the need to analyse and discuss it from a number of angles and discuss it in order to deal with it in accordance with international, community and national legislation. It will focus on:
(a) The root causes of migration;
(b) the development and implementation of national laws and practices relating to international protection, with a view to complying with the provisions of the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol, as well as any other regional or international instrument, to ensure respect for the principle of "non-refoulement";
(c) the rules of admission, as well as the rights and status of persons admitted, equitable treatment and integration policies for all non-citizens in legal situations, education and training, as well as measures to combat racism and xenophobia and any other applicable provisions concerning the human rights of migrants;
(d) the development of an effective preventive policy against illegal immigration. Emphasis will also be placed on trafficking in human beings, including ways to combat networks and criminal organizations of smugglers and traffickers and to protect victims of such trafficking;
(e) the return, in human and dignified conditions, of persons illegally residing in the territory of a country and their readmission, in accordance with paragraph 3;
(f) the field of visas, including on points of common interest;
(g) the field of border controls, particularly with regard to the organization, training, best practices and any other measures applied on the ground and, where applicable, the goods, for which it is appropriate to bear in mind that they may be subject to dual use.
3. As part of the cooperation to prevent and control clandestine immigration, the parties agree to renew their illegal immigrants. To this effect:
- Central American countries agree to renew their nationals present illegally in the territory of a Member State of the European Union, at the request of the latter and without other formalities, to provide their nationals with appropriate identity documents and to make available to them the necessary administrative resources for this purpose;
- each Member State of the European Union agrees to renew its nationals illegally present in the territory of a Central American country, at the request of the latter and without other formalities, to provide their nationals with appropriate identity documents and to make available to them the necessary administrative resources for this purpose.
The parties agree to conclude, at the request of one of them and as soon as possible, an agreement governing the specific obligations of the Central American countries and the European Community member States in respect of readmission, and including an obligation to readmission of nationals from other countries and stateless persons.
For the purposes of this Agreement, "the parties", on the one hand, the Community or its Member States and, on the other, any country of Central America.
ARTICLE 50
Cooperation in combating terrorism
The parties reaffirm the importance of the fight against terrorism and, in accordance with international conventions, the resolutions adopted by the United Nations in this regard, as well as their respective legislation and regulations, agree to cooperate in preventing and eliminating acts of terrorism. They act in particular:
(a) within the framework of the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1373 and other relevant United Nations resolutions, conventions and international instruments;
(b) exchange of information on terrorist groups and their support networks in accordance with international and national law; and
(c) an exchange of views on the means and methods used to counter terrorism, including in the technical and training fields, and an exchange of experience in the field of terrorism prevention.
PART IV. - GENERAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 51
Resources
1. In order to facilitate the achievement of the cooperation objectives provided by the agreement, the parties undertake to provide the appropriate means for their implementation, including financial resources, within the framework of their availability and their respective mechanisms. In this regard, they will, to the extent possible, adopt a multi-year programme and prioritize, taking into account the needs and level of development of Central American countries.
2. The parties shall take all appropriate measures to promote and facilitate the activities of the European Investment Bank in Central America, in accordance with its financing procedures and criteria, their laws and regulations and without prejudice to the powers of their competent authorities.
3. Central American countries will grant facilities and guarantees to the experts of the European Community as well as exemption from import taxes carried out in the framework of cooperation activities, in accordance with the framework conventions signed between the European Community and each Central American country.
ARTICLE 52
Institutional framework
1. The parties agree to maintain the joint commission established under the cooperation agreement with Central America in 1985 and maintained by the 1993 Framework Agreement for Cooperation.
2. The joint commission will be responsible for the general implementation of the agreement. It will also consider any issues related to economic relations between the parties, particularly with the various member countries of Central America.
3. The agenda of the meetings of the Joint Commission will be mutually agreed. The Commission will determine the provisions on the frequency and venue of its meetings, the chairmanship of the meetings, and any other matters that would arise. If necessary, it will create subcommittees itself.
4. A joint consultative commission, composed of representatives of the Advisory Committee of the Central American Integration System (CC-SICA) and the European Economic and Social Committee, will be established to assist the Joint Commission in promoting dialogue with the economic and social organizations of civil society.
5. The parties encourage the European Parliament and the Parliament of Central America (Parlacen) to establish an inter-parliamentary committee, within the framework of the agreement, in accordance with their constitutional laws.
ARTICLE 53
Definition of parties
For the purposes of this Agreement, "the parties", on the one hand, the Community or its member States or the Community and its member States, according to their competences under the Treaty establishing the European Community and, on the other, the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, in their respective areas of competence. The agreement will also apply to measures taken by the central, regional or local authorities in the territory of the parties.
ARTICLE 54
Entry into force
1. This Agreement comes into force on the first day of the month following the date on which the parties notified themselves of the completion of the procedures necessary for this purpose.
2. The notification is addressed to the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, depositary of the agreement.
3. Effective from the effective date of subsection 1^erThis Agreement shall replace the 1993 Framework Agreement.
ARTICLE 55
Duration
1. This Agreement shall be concluded for an unlimited period of time. In this regard, pursuant to Article 2, paragraph 3, of this Agreement, the parties reiterated the Madrid declaration of 17 May 2002.
2. Each party may denounce this agreement by notifying its intention to the other party in writing. The agreement ceases to be applicable six months after this notification.
ARTICLE 56
Increased obligations
1. The parties shall take any general or special measures necessary for the fulfilment of their obligations under this Agreement and shall ensure that the objectives defined by this Agreement are met.
2. If a party considers that the other party has not fulfilled any of its obligations under this Agreement, it may take appropriate action. It must provide the Joint Commission, within thirty days, with all relevant information to enable it to conduct a thorough review of the situation with a view to seeking a solution acceptable to the parties.
The choice must be given as a priority to the measures that disrupt the operation of this Agreement at least. These measures are notified immediately to the Joint Commission and are subject to consultations within the Joint Commission at the request of the other party.
3. By derogation from paragraph 2, each party may take immediate measures in accordance with international law in the following cases:
(a) denunciation of this agreement not enshrined in the general rules of international law;
(b) a violation by the other party of the essential elements of this agreement referred to in Article 1^erparagraph 1^er.
The other party may request the organization of an urgent meeting of both parties within fifteen days to conduct a thorough review of the situation, with a view to finding an acceptable solution for the parties.
ARTICLE 57
Evolutionary clause
1. The parties may agree to extend this Agreement with a view to supplementing and broadening the scope of this Agreement, in accordance with their respective legislation, by concluding agreements on specific sectors or activities, in the light of the experience gained during its implementation.
2. No possibility of cooperation should be excluded in advance. The parties may use the joint commission to explore practical possibilities of cooperation in their mutual interest.
3. With regard to the implementation of this Agreement, each party may make suggestions to extend cooperation in all areas, taking into account the experience gained during its implementation.
ARTICLE 58
Data protection
For the purposes of this Agreement, the parties agree to ensure strict protection for the processing of personal and other data in accordance with the highest international standards.
ARTICLE 59
Territorial application
This Agreement applies to territories where the Treaty establishing the European Community is applied under the conditions provided for in the said Treaty, on the one hand, and to the territories of the Republics of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.
ARTICLE 60
Faithful texts
This Agreement is written in duplicate in German, English, Danish, Spanish, Finnish, French, Greek, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish, each of these texts being equally authentic.
Done in Rome on 15 December two thousand three.

Annex
UNILATERAL DECLARATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
DECLARATION OF THE COMMISSION AND OF THE EUROPEAN UNION TO THE FOLLOW-UP OF THE CLAUSE ON THE RETURY AND THE READMISSION OF IMPACTS (ARTICLE 49)
Article 49 will in no way alter the internal division of competence between the European Community and its member States with regard to the conclusion of readmission agreements.
DECLARATION OF THE COMMISSION AND OF THE EUROPEAN MEETING TO THE CLAUSE RELATING TO THE DEFINITION OF THE PARTIES (ARTICLE 53)
The provisions of this Agreement which fall under Part III, Part IV, of the Treaty establishing the European Community bind the United Kingdom and Ireland as separate Contracting Parties and not as Member States of the European Community until the United Kingdom or Ireland (as the case may be) notify the Central American Party that it is now bound as a member of the European Community, in accordance with the Protocol on the United Kingdom and The same provisions apply to Denmark, in accordance with the Danish position protocol annexed to the said treaties.
JOINT DECLARATION ON POLITICAL DIALOGUE
The parties agree that Belize, as a full member of the Central American Integration System (SICA) (Central American Integration System), participates in the political dialogue.
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Notes
(1) In accordance with article 2, paragraph 5, second sentence, the term "open" cannot be interpreted as meaning "access".

Accord de dialogue politique et de coopération entre la Communauté européenne et ses Etats membres, d'une part, et les Républiques du Costa Rica, d'El Salvador, du Guatemala, du Honduras, du Nicaragua et du Panama, d'autre part, et annexe, faits à Rome le 15 décembre 2003
For the consultation of the table, see image
This Agreement has not yet entered into force.