Association Agreement
- 'No to EEA' campaign in Norway (Photo: Nei til EU)
The EU has different types of agreements with other countries.
Association Agreement
An Association Agreement is an agreement between the EU and external (third) countries. According to Art. 310 TEC, such an agreement is the basis for close co-operation and may lead to later EU membership of the third country.
The Lisbon Treaty establishes a special article for neighbourhood agreements in art.7a. It could be used to offer Turkey a partnership agreement as an alternative to full membership.
EEA Agreement
The EEA agreement establishes a common economic area with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Partnership Agreement
Partnership agreements have been signed with, for example, the former Soviet republics in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Stabilisation and Association Agreement
The EU has Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAA) with the Balkan countries.
Development Association Agreement
Development Association agreements are also called Co-operation Agreements (for example, with Maghreb, Mashreg, or the Cotonou agreement).
Free Trade Association Agreements
Free Trade Association Agreements (for example EEA agreement).
Links
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enla......ement/pas/assoc_agreements.htm
http://europa.eu.int/comm/enlargement/pas/europe_agr.htm
