Legislative Observatory
European Parliament
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EU/Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

2010/0310(NLE)

PURPOSE: to approve, on behalf of the Union, a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Iraq, of the other part.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT:  Council Decision (EU) 2018/1107 on the conclusion of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Iraq, of the other part.

CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Iraq, of the other part, together with the Annexes and the declaration made unilaterally, attached to the Final Act.

The Partnership Agreement was signed on 11 May 2012 subject to its possible conclusion at a later date.

Concluded for a period of 10 years (renewable), the agreement is intended to provide a solid basis for strengthening ties between Iraq and the EU. In particular, it aims to enhance political dialogue on bilateral, regional and global issues by improving trade regimes between Iraq and the EU, supporting Iraq's key development and reform efforts and facilitating its integration into the wider international economy.

The agreement is based on respect for democratic principles and human rights and the principles of the rule of law. Its objectives are:

  • to establish a regular political dialogue between the parties with the aim of strengthening their relations, contributing to the development of a partnership and increasing mutual understanding and solidarity. In the field of foreign and security policy cooperation, the Parties undertake to: (i) cooperate in order to prevent and eliminate terrorist acts; (ii) contribute to the fight against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and (iii) examine the possibility of Iraq's future accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court;
  • to promote trade and investment and the development of harmonious economic relations between the Parties and thereby foster their sustainable economic development. The trade section introduces a dispute settlement mechanism providing for the binding force of arbitration panel decisions and compliance procedures.
  • to provide a basis for legislative, economic, social, financial and cultural cooperation.

Institutional provisions are laid down concerning the implementation of the Agreement and the establishment of a Cooperation Council meeting once a year at ministerial level and a Cooperation Committee to assist it in carrying out its duties.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 20.7.2018.