Council Decision 2013/755/EUShow full title

PART TWO U.K. AREAS OF COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ASSOCIATION

Chapter 1 U.K. Environmental issues, climate change and disaster risk reduction

Article 15 U.K. General objectives and principles

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction may concern:

(a)

support to the OCTs efforts to define and implement policies, strategies, action plans and measures;

(b)

support to OCTs’ efforts to integrate in regional networks and initiatives;

(c)

the promotion of sustainable resource use and resource efficiency, and encouragement to the decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation; and

(d)

support to OCTs efforts to act as regional hubs and centres of excellence.

Article 16 U.K. Sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services may concern:

(a)

the promotion of the establishment and effective management of marine and terrestrial protected areas and improved management of existing protected areas;

(b)

the encouragement of sustainable management of marine and terrestrial resources, which contribute to protecting species, habitats and ecosystem functions outside protected areas, in particular, endangered, vulnerable and rare species;

(c)

the strengthening of conservation and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems by:

(i)

addressing the wider ecosystem challenge of climate change by maintaining healthy, resilient ecosystems and fostering green infrastructure and ecosystem- based approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation which often bring multiple benefits;

(ii)

strengthening capacities at a local, regional and/or international scale, by promoting exchange of information, knowledge and best practice amongst all stakeholders including public authorities, landowners, private sector, researchers and civil society;

(iii)

strengthening existing nature conservation programmes and related efforts within and outside conservation areas;

(iv)

broadening the knowledge base and filling the knowledge gaps, including quantifying the value of ecosystem functions and services;

(d)

the encouragement and facilitation of regional cooperation in order to address issues such as invasive alien species or the impacts of climate change;

(e)

the development of mechanisms to lever resources including payments for ecosystem services.

Article 17 U.K. Sustainable forest management

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of sustainable forest management may concern the promotion of the conservation and sustainable management of forests, including their role in the conservation of the environment from erosion and desertification control, afforestation and management of timber exports.

Article 18 U.K. Integrated coastal zone management

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of integrated coastal zone management may concern:

(a)

the support to the efforts of the OCTs towards an effective sustainable management of marine and coastal zones in defining strategic and integrated approaches to marine and coastal zone planning and management;

(b)

conciliation of economic and social activities such as fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, maritime transports and agriculture with the potential of marine and coastal zones in terms of renewable energy, raw materials, whilst taking into account impacts of climate change and human activities.

Article 19 U.K. Maritime Affairs

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of maritime affairs may concern:

(a)

the strengthening of the dialogue on issues of common interest in that field;

(b)

the promotion of marine knowledge and biotechnology, ocean energy, maritime surveillance, coastal zone management and an ecosystem based management;

(c)

the promotion of integrated approaches at international level.

Article 20 U.K. Sustainable management of fish stocks

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of sustainable management of fish stocks shall be based on the following principles:

(a) commitment to responsible fisheries management and fishing practices;

(b) refraining from measures or activities that are inconsistent with the principles of sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources;

(c) without prejudice to existing or future bilateral fisheries partnership agreements between the Union and the OCTs, the Union and the OCTs shall aim to regularly consult each other on the conservation and management of the living marine resources and to exchange information on the ongoing state of resources within the context of the relevant instances of the association provided for in Article 14.

2. Cooperation in the field referred to in paragraph 1 may concern:

(a) the active promotion of good governance, best practices and responsible fisheries management in the conservation and sustainable management of fish stocks, including fish stocks of common interest and those managed by regional fisheries management organisations;

(b) dialogue and cooperation regarding the conservation of fish stocks including measures to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and effectively cooperating with and within regional fisheries management organisations. Dialogue and cooperation shall include control and inspection schemes, incentives and obligations for a more effective management of fisheries and coastal environments in the long term.

Article 21 U.K. Sustainable water management

1. In the context of the association, the Union and the OCTs may cooperate in the area of sustainable water management through water policy and institution building, protecting water resources, water supplies in rural and urban areas for domestic, industrial or agricultural purposes, storage, distribution and management of water resources and waste water management.

2. In the field of water supply and sanitation sector, particular attention shall be given to access in under-served areas to drinking water supply and sanitation services and those particularly exposed to natural disasters, which contribute directly to human resources development by improving the state of health and increasing productivity.

3. Cooperation in these areas shall be guided by the principle that the continuing need to extend the provision of basic services in water and sanitation to both urban and rural populations must be addressed in environmentally sustainable ways.

Article 22 U.K. Waste management

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of waste management may concern the promotion of the use of the best environmental practice in all operations related to waste management, including the reduction of waste, recycling or other processes of recovery, e.g. energy recovery and waste disposal.

Article 23 U.K. Energy

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of sustainable energy may concern:

(a)

energy production, distribution and access, in particular, the development, promotion, use and storage of sustainable energy from renewable energy sources;

(b)

energy policies and regulations, in particular the formulation of policies and adoption of regulations guaranteeing affordable and sustainable energy tariffs;

(c)

energy efficiency, in particular the development and introduction of energy efficiency standards and implementation of energy efficiency measures in different sectors (industrial, commercial, public and households), as well as accompanying educational and awareness activities;

(d)

transport, in particular the development, promotion and use of more environmental-friendly public and private transport means such as hybrid, electric or hydrogen vehicles, carpooling and cycling schemes;

(e)

town planning and construction, in particular the promotion and introduction of high environment quality standards and high energy performance in urban planning and construction; and

(f)

tourism, in particular the promotion of energy self-sufficient (renewable energy based) and/or green tourism infrastructures.

Article 24 U.K. Climate change

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of climate change shall aim to support the initiatives of the OCTs concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change, and may cover:

(a)

the development of evidence; identification of key risks and territorial, regional and/or international actions, plans, or measures in view of adapting to climate change or mitigating its adverse effects;

(b)

the integration of adaptation to climate change and its mitigation in public policies and strategies;

(c)

the elaboration and identification of statistical data and indicators, essential tools for policy making and implementation; and

(d)

the promotion of the participation of the OCTs in regional and international dialogue in order to foster cooperation, including exchange of knowledge and experience.

Article 25 U.K. Disaster risk reduction

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction may concern:

(a)

the development or perfection of systems, including infrastructures, for disaster prevention and preparedness, including prediction and early-warning systems, with a view to reducing the consequences of disasters;

(b)

the development of detailed knowledge of the exposure to the disasters and the current response capacities in the OCTs and in the regions where they are located;

(c)

the strengthening of existing measures of disaster prevention and preparation at local, national and regional levels;

(d)

the improvement of response capacities of the actors concerned, to render them more coordinated, effective and efficient;

(e)

the improvement of awareness-raising and information to the population regarding the exposure to risks, prevention, preparation and the response in the event of disaster, with due attention to the specific needs of persons with disabilities;

(f)

the strengthening of collaboration between key actors involved in civil protection; and

(g)

the promotion of the participation of the OCTs in regional, European and/or international instances in order to allow a more regular exchange of information and a closer cooperation among the different partners in the event of disaster.

Chapter 2 U.K. Accessibility

Article 26 U.K. General objectives

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of accessibility shall aim to:

(a) ensure greater access of OCTs to global transport networks; and

(b) ensure greater access of OCTs to information and communication technologies and services.

2. Cooperation in the context referred to in paragraph 1 may encompass:

(a) policy and institution building;

(b) transport by road, rail, air, sea or inland waterway; and

(c) storage facilities in sea- and airports.

Article 27 U.K. Maritime transport

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of maritime transport shall aim to the development and promotion of cost-effective and efficient maritime transport services in the OCTs and may concern:

(a) the promotion of efficient shipments of cargo at economically and commercially viable rates;

(b) the facilitation of greater OCTs participation in international shipping services;

(c) the encouragement of regional programmes;

(d) the support to local private sector involvement in shipping activities; and

(e) the development of infrastructure.

2. The Union and the OCTs shall promote shipping safety, security of crews and the prevention of pollution.

Article 28 U.K. Air transport

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of air transport may concern:

(a)

the reform and modernisation of the OCTs air transport industries;

(b)

the promotion of the commercial viability and competitiveness of the OCTs’ air transport industries;

(c)

the facilitation of private sector investment and participation; and

(d)

the promotion of exchange of knowledge and good business practice.

Article 29 U.K. Air transport safety

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of air transport safety shall aim to support the OCTs in their efforts to comply with the relevant international standards and may cover inter alia:

(a)

the implementation of air navigation safety systems;

(b)

the implementation of airport security and strengthening of the capacity of civil aviation authorities to manage all aspects of operational security placed under their control; and

(c)

the development of infrastructures and human resources.

Article 30 U.K. Information and communication technologies services

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) services shall aim to spur, in the OCTs, innovation, economic growth and improvements in daily life for both citizens and businesses, including the promotion of accessibility for persons with disabilities. Cooperation shall, in particular, be directed at enhancing OCTs’ regulatory capacity and may support the expansion of ICT networks and services through the following measures:

(a)

creation of a predictable regulatory environment that keeps pace with technological developments, stimulates growth and innovation and fosters competition and consumer protection;

(b)

dialogue on the various policy aspects regarding the promotion and monitoring of the information society;

(c)

exchange of information on standards and interoperability issues;

(d)

promotion of cooperation in the field of ICT research and in the field of ICT-based research infrastructures;

(e)

development of services and applications in domains of high societal impact.

Chapter 3 U.K. Research and innovation

Article 31 U.K. Cooperation in research and innovation

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of research and innovation may cover science, technology, including information and communication technologies, with the aim of contributing to the OCTs’ sustainable development and to promoting the OCTs’s role as regional hubs and centres of excellence as well as their industrial competitiveness. In particular, cooperation may concern:

(a)

dialogue, coordination and creation of synergies between OCTs and Union policies and initiatives with regard to science, technology and innovation;

(b)

policy and institutional building within OCTs and concerted actions at local, national or regional level, with a view to developing science, technology and innovation activities and their application;

(c)

cooperation between legal entities from the OCTs, the Union, the Member States and the third countries;

(d)

participation of individual OCTs researchers, research bodies and legal entities from OCTs in the framework for cooperation related to research and innovation programmes within the Union and the Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium - size enterprises (COSME); and

(e)

training and international mobility of OCTs researchers and exchange.

Chapter 4 U.K. Youth, education, training, health, employment and social policy

Article 32 U.K. Youth

1. The Union shall ensure that natural persons from OCTs, as defined in Article 50, can participate in initiatives of the Union concerning youth on the same basis as nationals of Member States.

2. The association aims at strengthening the ties between young people living in the OCTs and the Union, among others by promoting learning mobility of OCTs youth and by fostering mutual understanding between young people.

Article 33 U.K. Education and training

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of education and training may cover:

(a) the provision of high quality, inclusive education at primary, secondary and higher education level and in the area of vocational education and training; and

(b) the support to the OCTs in defining and implementing education and vocational training policies.

2. The Union shall ensure that natural persons from the OCTs, as defined in Article 50, can participate in education and vocational training initiatives of the Union on the same basis as nationals of Member States.

3. The Union shall ensure that educational bodies and institutes from OCTs can take part in education related cooperation initiatives of the Union on the same basis as the educational and vocational training bodies and institutes of the Member States.

Article 34 U.K. Employment and social policy

1. The Union and the OCTs shall maintain dialogue in the area of employment and social policy in order to contribute to the economic and social development of the OCTs and the promotion of decent work in the OCTs and regions where they are located. Such a dialogue shall also aim at supporting the efforts of the OCTs’ authorities to develop policies and legislation in this area.

2. The dialogue shall mainly consist of exchange of information and best practices relating to policies and legislation in the area of employment and social policy that are of mutual interest to the Union and the OCTs. In this regard, areas such as skills development, social protection, social dialogue, equal opportunities, non-discrimination and accessibility for persons with disabilities, health and safety at work and other labour standards shall be taken into consideration.

Article 35 U.K. Public health

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of public health shall aim to strengthen the OCTs’ capacity for surveillance, early detection and response to outbreaks of communicable diseases through measures including:

(a)

actions to strengthen preparedness and response capacity against cross-border health threats such as infectious diseases which should be built on existing structures and should target unusual events;

(b)

capacity building through strengthening public health networks at regional level, facilitating exchange of information among experts and promoting adequate training;

(c)

development of tools and communication platforms as well as e-learning programs adapted to OCTs’ particular needs.

Chapter 5 U.K. Culture

Article 36 U.K. Cultural exchanges and dialogue

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of cultural exchanges and dialogue may concern:

(a) the self-reliant development of the OCTs, this being a process centred on people themselves and rooted in each people’s culture;

(b) the support to the policies and measures adopted by the competent authorities of OCTs to enhance their human resources, increase their own creative capacities and promote their cultural identities;

(c) the participation by the population in the process of development;

(d) the development of a common understanding and enhanced exchange of information on cultural and audiovisual matters through dialogue.

2. Through their cooperation the Union and the OCTs shall seek to stimulate cultural exchanges between each other through:

(a) cooperation between the cultural and creative sectors of all partners;

(b) promotion of the circulation of cultural and creative works and operators between them;

(c) policy cooperation in order to foster policy development, innovation, audience building and new business models.

Article 37 U.K. Audiovisual cooperation

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the audiovisual field aims at promoting each other’s audiovisual productions and may cover the following actions:

(a) cooperation and exchange between the respective broadcasting industries;

(b) encouraging exchange of audiovisual works;

(c) exchange of information and views on audiovisual and broadcasting policy and regulatory framework between competent authorities;

(d) encouraging visits to and participation in international events held in each other’s territory as well as in third countries.

2. Co-produced audiovisual works shall be entitled to benefit from any scheme for the promotion of local or regional cultural content set up in the Union, the OCTs and the Member States to which they are linked.

Article 38 U.K. Performing arts

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of performing arts may concern:

(a)

the facilitation of increased contacts between practitioners of performing arts in areas such as professional exchanges and training including participation in auditions, development of networks and promotion of networking;

(b)

the encouragement of joint productions between producers of one or several Member States of the Union and one or several OCTs; and

(c)

the encouragement of the development of international theatre technology standards and the use of theatre stage signs, including through appropriate standardisation bodies.

Article 39 U.K. Protection of cultural heritage and historic monuments

In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of tangible and intangible cultural heritage and historic monuments aims at allowing the promotion of exchanges of expertise and best practices through:

(a)

the facilitation of exchanges of experts;

(b)

the collaboration on professional training;

(c)

the awareness of the local public; and

(d)

the counselling on the protection of the historic monuments and protected spaces and on the legislation and implementation of measures related to heritage, in particular its integration into local life.

Chapter 6 U.K. Fight against organised crime

Article 40 U.K. Fight against organised crime, trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, terrorism and corruption

1. In the context of the association, cooperation in the field of organised crime may include:

(a) the development of innovative and effective means of police and judicial cooperation, including cooperation with other stakeholders such as civil society, in the prevention of and fight against organised crime, trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, terrorism and corruption; and

(b) support in order to increase the efficiency of OCTs’ policies to prevent and fight against organised crime, trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, terrorism and corruption, as well as the production, distribution and trafficking of all kinds of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, preventing and reducing drug use and drug-related harms, taking into account work carried out in these areas by international bodies, through inter alia:

(i)

training and capacity building in preventing and fighting organised crime, including trafficking in human beings, child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, terrorism and corruption;

(ii)

prevention including training, education and health promotion, treatment and rehabilitation of dependent drug users, including projects for the reintegration of dependent drug users into work and social environments;

(iii)

development of effective enforcement measures;

(iv)

technical, financial and administrative assistance on the development of effective policies and legislation on trafficking in human beings, in particular awareness raising campaigns, referral mechanisms and victim protection systems, involving all relevant stakeholders and civil society;

(v)

technical, financial and administrative assistance relating to the prevention, treatment and reduction of harms related to drug use;

(vi)

technical assistance to support the development of legislation and of policy against child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation; and

(vii)

technical assistance and training to support capacity building and encourage compliance with international anti-corruption standards notably those set out in the UN Convention against Corruption.

2. In the context of the association, the OCTs shall cooperate with the Union as regards combatting money laundering and the financing of terrorism in accordance with Articles 70 and 71.

Chapter 7 U.K. Tourism

Article 41 U.K. Tourism

In the context of the Association, cooperation in the field of tourism may include:

(a)

measures aiming at defining, adapting and developing sustainable tourism policies;

(b)

measures and operations to develop and support sustainable tourism;

(c)

measures aiming at integrating sustainable tourism into the social, cultural and economic life of OCTs citizens.