The European Communities (Definition of Treaties) (Stabilisation and Association Agreement) (Republic of Albania) Order 2007

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order declares the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States and the Republic of Albania, signed on 12 June 2006, to be a Community Treaty as defined in section 1(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

The Agreement provides a framework for regular political dialogue between the parties and includes a commitment to promote regional co-operation and good neighbourly relations with the other countries of the region. It provides for the establishment of a free trade area over a transitional period, asymmetric trade preferences, assistance to support democratic, economic and institutional reforms and co-operation in the field of Justice and Home Affairs.

The principal effect of declaring this Agreement to be a Community Treaty so defined is that the provisions of section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972 apply to it.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has not been produced for this instrument, as it has no impact on the costs to UK business, charities or voluntary bodies.