EC/Ukraine Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

The proposal for a decision seeks to permit the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part. This mixed agreement covers areas of competence of the Community and the Member States. It is concluded for a period of 10 years and establishes a political dialogue between the parties. The Agreement includes provisions relating to trade in goods, employment conditions, the establishment and operation of companies, cross-border supply of services, current payments and capital, competition, the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property, legislative cooperation, economic and financial cooperation and cultural cooperation. The Agreement also includes a conditionality clause on human rights, allowing its suspension - on a unilateral basis if necessary - in the event of any breach of its essential elements, including respect for democratic principles, human rights and the principles of the market economy. The Agreement will be administered by a threefold structure, comprising a Cooperation Council, a Cooperation Committee and a Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. The arrangements for cooperation on customs matters are covered by separate protocol. �