EC/Latvia Europe Agreement

This proposal for a Council and Commission decision aimed to conclude a Europe Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Latvia, of the other part. It was a preferential agreement designed to establish a close and lasting relationship between the parties and create an appropriate framework for the gradual integration of this country into the Union. It was concluded for an indefinite period and was based on respect for democratic principles and human rights. With regard to trade and accompanying measures, the Europe Agreement fully integrated the provisions of the agreement on the liberalisation of trade which was signed on 18 July 1994. It included political dialogue at the highest possible level together with a transitional period expiring on 31 December 1999 for the definitive establishment of the Latvia-European Communities association. The agreement also contained provisions concerning: - the right of establishment, - the free movement of workers, - the provision of services (with a clause maintaining the status quo), - the free movement of capital, - economic, cultural and financial cooperation. The agreement also made provision for the establishment of an Association Council responsible for supervising the implementation of the agreement and with the power to take decisions in specific cases provided for in the agreement. An Association Committee and a Parliamentary Committee were also established. Finally, and for the first time in a Europe Agreement, provisions were included on cooperation in the prevention of illegal activities (including drug trafficking, organised crime, illegal trade in nuclear materials and illegal immigration, taking account of the principle of readmission). The agreement replaced the agreement on trade and economic and commercial cooperation between the Community and Latvia which entered into force on 1 February 1993 and, as regards trade and accompanying measures, the agreement on the liberalisation of trade which entered into force on 1 January 1995. �