Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Yemen

SUMMARY OF:

Cooperation Agreement — European Community and the Republic of Yemen

Decision 98/189/EC — Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Yemen

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE AGREEMENT AND OF THE DECISION?

The agreement seeks to enhance and develop dialogue and cooperation between the European Community (now the European Union) and the Republic of Yemen on:
- development;
- trade;
- economic and cultural cooperation;
- environmental protection;
- sustainable management of natural resources; and
- human resources development.
The decision concludes the agreement between the EU and the Republic of Yemen.

KEY POINTS

The agreement is based on respect of democratic principles and fundamental human rights and its objectives in the above fields are to:

promote and intensify trade and develop sustainable economic cooperation;
strengthen cooperation in fields related to economic progress;
contribute to Yemen’s efforts to improve the quality of life and standards of living of the most disadvantaged groups of the population;
take the requisite measures to protect the environment and ensure sustainable management of natural resources;
extend cooperation to the field of culture, communication and information to improve mutual understanding.

Fields of cooperation

Trade cooperation

In the field of trade cooperation, the parties agree to

bring their trade policies into line with the rules of the World Trade Organisation;
grant each other most-favoured-nation* treatment except in relation to preferences accorded under a customs union, free-trade area or a preferential-treatment area;
develop and diversify bilateral trade;
improve the terms of access for products and eliminate barriers to trade;
provide technical assistance, share information and improve cooperation in the customs field;
consider temporary exemptions from duty, tax and other charges; and
consult each other on any trade-related dispute.

Yemen agrees to protect intellectual, industrial and commercial property rights and ensure effective application of the principle of unrestricted access to cargoes on a commercial and on a non-discriminatory basis for international maritime services.

Development cooperation

In the field of development cooperation, the EU recognises that it could make a greater contribution in terms of size and impact and therefore undertakes to help Yemen reduce poverty by developing:

primary education and training;
better working conditions;
water supply;
rural development; and
better health care.

Cooperation must be guided by a clear cooperation strategy taking account of the geographical distribution of commitments and accompanied by a dialogue to define mutually agreed priorities and pursue effectiveness and sustainability.

Economic cooperation

To demonstrate commitment to economic cooperation, a regular economic dialogue will cover all areas of macroeconomic policy, including budgetary policy, the balance of payments and monetary policy. Its aim will be to establish closer cooperation between the relevant authorities in order to:

develop a competitive economic environment facilitating the development of small and medium-sized businesses;
facilitate contacts and exchanges of information, conduct economic dialogue and improve mutual understanding;
improve cooperation on standards and regulations;
strengthen management training;
promote dialogue on energy policy, technology transfer and technological cooperation;
support Yemen’s efforts to modernise and restructure its industry;
promote the involvement of the private sector in cooperation programmes;
promote cooperation on financial services;
encourage cooperation on transport and transport management;
establish dialogue and, where possible, provide assistance for regulation and standardisation of telecommunications and the development of projects, particularly concerning telematics applications in education, health, the environment, transport and e-commerce;
promote investment by creating a more favourable climate for investors.

Economic and other forms of cooperation may be extended to activities under cooperation or integration agreements with other countries in the same region to contribute to regional cooperation. Coordination with the EU’s decentralised cooperation programmes with the Mediterranean and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is planned to this end.

Agriculture and fisheries

On agriculture and fisheries, the aim is to modernise and restructure the sector with a view to the implementation of:

a national food security strategy,
the development of stable markets,
integrated rural development,
the development of the private sector,
diversification of production,
reduction of food dependency, and
cooperation in the fields of health, veterinary and plant-health matters, technical assistance and training.

Environment

The parties recognise that there is a close link between poverty and environmental damage and therefore agree to give top priority to environmental protection. This will involve:

setting up administrative, regulatory and information structures for rational management of the environment;
developing sustainable and non-polluting energy sources;
encouraging regional cooperation and coordination; and
sharing of information and know-how.

Other fields

Cooperation in the fields of tourism, science and technology aims to promote cooperation, exchanges of information and development.
Further objectives include:
- combating drug abuse, including illicit production of and trade in drugs, narcotics and psychotropic substances;
- combating money laundering; and
- controlling chemical precursors.
In the social field, priority will be given to:
- respect for basic social rights, focusing on measures to promote the effective equality of women and their fair involvement in the decision-making process;
- improving working conditions and social protection of mothers and children; and
- improving the social protection system and health cover.
Human resources development will also be covered as an integral part of economic and social development. Efforts will be made to promote:
- access for women to education;
- skills development through closer cooperation on education and training; and
- cooperation between universities and businesses.
Action will also be taken on information, culture and communications to improve mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties. This will focus on reciprocal information programmes, conservation and restoration of monuments, education and training and cultural events.

Institutional aspects

A Joint Cooperation Committee has been set up to oversee the overall implementation of the agreement. It will ensure the proper functioning of the agreement, set its priorities and make recommendations. Regular contacts between the European and Yemeni parliaments are desired by both parties.
The agreement may be extended and replace incompatible or identical provisions. It does not affect the powers of EU countries to undertake bilateral activities. Its non-execution may mean measures will be taken against the other party but this can be obviated by attempts to find a solution that least disrupts the functioning of the agreement.
The officials and experts involved in implementing this agreement will enjoy guarantees, facilities and legal privileges in accordance with international standards.

DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE

The agreement entered into force on 1 July 1998.

BACKGROUND

In February 2019, the Council adopted conclusions on Yemen reaffirming its commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen in the face of the conflict it has been experiencing for over 6 years. It also welcomed the unanimous adoption of UNSCR 2451 and 2452 underpinning the Stockholm Agreement and establishing the United Nations mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA).

For more information, see:

Yemen and the EU (European External Action Service)
EU-Yemen relations (European External Action Service)
Relations between Yemen and the EU (European External Action Service).

KEY TERMS

Most favoured nation: an MFN clause requires a country to provide any concessions, privileges, or immunities granted to one nation in a trade agreement to all other World Trade Organization member countries.

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Yemen (OJ L 72, 11.3.1998, pp. 18-29)

Council Decision 98/189/EC of 23 February 1998 concerning the conclusion of the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Yemen (OJ L 72, 11.3.1998, p. 17)