Dokumenty EU

Uzbekistan and the European Union is currently negotiating the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which will replace the partnership and cooperation agreement that has been in force since 1999.

The "Partnership and Cooperation Agreement establishing a partnership between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Uzbekistan, of the other part" was signed in Florence on 21 June 1996 and entered into force on 1 July 1999.

The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement was concluded to support the independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The treaty also supported Uzbekistan's efforts to consolidate the country's democracy, develop its economy and complete the transition into a market economy. Finally it provided a framework for the political dialogue between the EU and Uzbekistan to

• encourage the development of political relations,
  
• promote trade and investment and harmonious economic relations between the Parties and
  
• foster sustainable economic development,
  
• provide a basis for legislative, economic, social, financial, civil scientific, technological and cultural cooperation and
  
• assist in the construction of a civil society in Uzbekistan based upon the rule of law.

The agreement includes sections on:

• general principles
  
• political dialogue
  
• trade in goods
  
• provisions affecting business and investment
  
• legislative cooperation
  
• economic cooperation
  
• cooperation on matters relating to democracy and human rights
  
• cooperation on prevention of illegal activities and the prevention and control of illegal immigration
  
• cultural cooperation
  
• financial cooperation in the field of technical assistance
  
• institutional, general and final provisions.

Articles 83-85 establish a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee ("a forum for Members of the Uzbek Parliament and the European Parliament to meet and exchange views") and describes its work.

The Cooperation Council between the European Union and Uzbekistan held its 15th meeting on 11 November in Brussels. The Cooperation Council discussed Uzbekistan's ambitious reform programme, and issues relating to the rule of law, trade, investment and energy relations, and international issues.

The Cooperation Council also discussed questions of good governance and the role of civil society, as well as measures to improve the business climate in Uzbekistan. The EU welcomed progress in Uzbekistan's application to join the WTO and to seek GSP+ membership (EU General System of Preferences that unilaterally grants duty-free access for most goods). Human rights questions were also discussed.

The EU is negotiating an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) with Uzbekistan. Four rounds of negotiations on bilateral trade between the EU and Uzbekistan have taken place.