EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Brussels, 3.9.2025
COM(2025) 810 final
ANNEXES
to the
Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION
on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part
POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND COOPERATION
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION
AND ITS MEMBER STATES, OF THE ONE PART,
AND THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES, OF THE OTHER PART
PREAMBLE
THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM,
THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA,
THE CZECH REPUBLIC,
THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK,
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY,
THE REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA,
IRELAND,
THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC,
THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN,
THE FRENCH REPUBLIC,
THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA,
THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC,
THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS,
THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA,
THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA,
THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG,
HUNGARY,
THE REPUBLIC OF MALTA,
THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS,
THE REPUBLIC OF AUSTRIA,
THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND,
THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC,
ROMANIA,
THE REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA,
THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC,
THE REPUBLIC OF FINLAND,
THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN,
Contracting Parties to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, hereinafter referred to as the "Member States",
THE EUROPEAN UNION, hereinafter referred to as "the Union" or "the EU",
of the one part, and
the United Mexican States, hereinafter referred to as "Mexico",
of the other part,
hereinafter jointly referred to as "the Parties",
CONSIDERING the strong cultural, political and economic ties which unite them;
REAFFIRMING their commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to countering proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which constitute the basis for their partnership and cooperation;
MINDFUL of the significant contribution to strengthen those ties made by the Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the United Mexican States, of the other part, signed in Brussels on 8 December 1997;
CONSIDERING their joint commitment expressed in the Santiago Declaration of 27 January 2013 to modernise and replace the existing Economic Partnership, Political Coordination and Cooperation Agreement to reflect new political and economic realities and the advancements made in their strategic partnership;
CONSIDERING that the Interim Agreement on Trade between the European Union and the United Mexican States (hereinafter “EU-Mexico Interim Agreement on Trade”), establishing a free trade area between the EU and Mexico, was signed on [X];
EMPHASISING the comprehensive nature of their relationship and the importance of providing a coherent framework for its further promotion;
AFFIRMING their status as strategic partners and their determination to further enhance and deepen their partnership and their international cooperation and dialogue in order to advance their shared interests and values;
AFFIRMING their commitment to strengthen cooperation on bilateral, regional, bi-regional, and international issues of common concern;
ACKNOWLEDGING the importance of a strong and effective multilateral system, based upon international law, in preserving peace, preventing conflicts and strengthening international security and in tackling common challenges;
REAFFIRMING their commitment to expand and diversify their trade relation in conformity with the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "WTO Agreement") and the specific objectives and provisions set out in Part III of this Agreement;
CONVINCED that this Agreement will create a climate conducive to growing sustainable economic relations between them, in particular in terms of trade and investment, which are essential to the realisation of economic and social development and technological innovation and modernisation;
RECOGNISING that the provisions of this Agreement protect investments and investors, and are intended to stimulate mutually-beneficial business activity without undermining the right of the Parties to regulate in the public interest within their territories;
WELCOMING the adoption of the Resolution 70/1 adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 25 September 2015 containing the outcome document "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "2030 Agenda"), the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, done at Paris on 12 December 2015 (hereinafter referred to as the "Paris Agreement"), as well as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai on 18 March 2015, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, adopted at Addis Ababa on 13-16 July 2015, the World Humanitarian Summit Commitments, adopted at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 23-24 May 2016, and the New Urban Agenda, adopted during the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in Quito on 20 October 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the "New Urban Agenda"), and calling for their swift implementation;
REAFFIRMING their commitment to overcome global challenges by promoting sustainable development in its economic, social and environmental dimensions, by contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (hereinafter referred to as the "SDGs") and targets of the 2030 Agenda;
AFFIRMING their commitment to strengthen cooperation in the field of justice, human rights, freedom and security;
RECOGNISING the mutual benefits of enhanced cooperation in the areas of education, culture, research and innovation and other areas of common interest;
REAFFIRMING their commitment to promote international trade in such a way as to contribute to sustainable development in its economic, social and environment dimensions, through partnerships involving all relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the private sector, and to implement this Agreement in a manner consistent with their respective laws and international labour and environmental commitments;
RECOGNISING the importance of strengthening their economic, trade and investment relations, and of promoting the liberalisation of trade and investment between them, to bring economic growth, create new opportunities for workers and the business communities of each Party, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises;
RECOGNISING that this Agreement contributes to enhancing consumer welfare and to ensuring a high level of living standards and consumer protection;
ENCOURAGING enterprises operating within their territory or subject to their jurisdiction to respect internationally recognised guidelines and principles of corporate social responsibility, including the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and to pursue best practices of responsible business conduct;
RECOGNISING that the provisions of this Agreement preserve the right of the Parties to regulate within their territories in conformity with their internal legislation and the Parties' flexibility to achieve legitimate policy objectives, such as public health, safety, environment, public morals and the promotion and protection of cultural diversity, among others;
RECOGNISING the importance of transparency, good governance and the rule of law in international trade and investment to the benefit of all stakeholders;
RESOLVED to contribute to the harmonious development and expansion of international trade and investment by removing obstacles thereto through this Agreement and to avoid creating new barriers to trade or investment between the Parties that could reduce the benefits of this Agreement;
NOTING that in case the Parties decide, within the framework of this Agreement, to enter into specific agreements in the area of freedom, security and justice which may be concluded by the Union pursuant to Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ("TFEU"), the provisions of such future specific agreements would not bind Ireland unless the Union, simultaneously with Ireland as regards their respective previous bilateral relations, notifies Mexico that Ireland has/have become bound by such future specific agreements as part of the Union in accordance with Protocol No 21 on the position of Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union ("TEU") and to the TFEU. Likewise, any subsequent internal measures of the Union which may be adopted pursuant to Title V of Part Three TFEU to implement this Agreement would not bind the Ireland, unless they have notified their wish to take part in such measures or accept them in accordance with Protocol No 21. Also noting that, such future specific agreements or subsequent internal measures of the Union would fall within Protocol No 22 on the position of Denmark annexed to the TEU and TFEU,
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
PART I 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 1
Objectives of the Agreement
The objectives of this Agreement shall be to:
(a) establish a strengthened strategic partnership, reinforce political dialogue, and deepen and enhance cooperation on issues of mutual interest;
(b) foster increased trade and investment between the Parties by expanding and diversifying their economic and trade relations, which should contribute to higher and more sustainable economic growth and an improved quality of life.
ARTICLE 2
General Principles
1. Respect for democratic principles and human rights and fundamental freedoms, as laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant international human rights instruments to which they are party, and for the principle of the rule of law, underpins the internal and international policies of both Parties and constitutes an essential element of this Agreement.
2. The Parties confirm their strong support for the principles of the Charter of the United Nations (hereinafter referred to as the "UN").
3. The Parties share the view that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery to both state and non-state actors pose a major threat to international stability and security.
4. The Parties recognise that the uncontrolled movement of conventional arms is a threat to international and regional peace, security and stability and also recognise the need to cooperate to ensure the responsible transfer of conventional arms.
5. The Parties reaffirm their commitment to the promotion of sustainable development in all its dimensions, contributing to the attainment of internationally agreed sustainable development goals, and to cooperation in order to address global environmental challenges.
6.
The Parties confirm their commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
7. The Parties reaffirm their commitment to combatting discrimination on any ground, including gender, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
8. The Parties confirm their commitment to implement this Agreement based on shared values including the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, equal partnership, multilateralism, cooperation and respect for international law.
PART II 2
POLITICAL DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION
CHAPTER 1
POLITICAL DIALOGUE, INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY
ARTICLE 1.1
Political Dialogue
1. The Parties shall strengthen their political dialogue and cooperation at all levels, through exchanges and consultations on bilateral, regional, bi-regional, international and multilateral issues.
2. The political dialogue shall aim to:
(a) promote the development of bilateral relations and strengthen the strategic partnership;
(b) strengthen cooperation on regional, bi-regional, and international challenges and issues.
3.
The political dialogue between the Parties may take place in the following forms, as mutually agreed:
(a) consultations, meetings and visits at summit level;
(b) consultations, meetings and visits at ministerial level;
(c) regular senior officials meetings, including a High Level Political Dialogue;
(d) sectorial dialogues on issues of common interest;
(e) exchanges of delegations and other contacts between the Congress of Mexico and the European Parliament;
(f) any other form agreed to by the Parties.
ARTICLE 1.2
Democratic Principles, Human Rights and the Rule of Law
1. The Parties shall cooperate on the promotion and protection of human rights, including with regard to the ratification and implementation of international human rights instruments, and on the strengthening of democratic principles and the rule of law, promoting gender equality and combatting discrimination in all its forms.
2.
Such cooperation may include:
(a) fostering a meaningful, broad-based human rights dialogue;
(b) supporting the development and implementation of action plans on human rights;
(c) promoting human rights, including through education and cooperation;
(d) strengthening national and regional human rights-related institutions;
(e) enhancing cooperation with the UN Human Rights Treaty Bodies and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council to implement their recommendations;
(f) enhancing cooperation within the human rights-related institutions of the UN and relevant regional and multilateral fora;
(g) strengthening their capacity to apply democratic principles and practices;
(h) reinforcing good, independent and transparent governance at the local, national, regional and global levels, promoting accountability and transparency of institutions and supporting participation of citizens and the involvement of civil society;
(i) collaborating and coordinating, where appropriate, including in third countries, to reinforce democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law;
(j)
fostering the universality of international human rights treaties and encouraging other States to implement their obligations in this area;
(k) working to prevent impunity for human rights violations.
ARTICLE 1.3
Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, Peace,
Security and Sustainable Development
1. The Parties shall promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. They acknowledge the necessity of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as a precondition to fully achieving sustainable and inclusive development, democracy and security. The Parties shall explore further schemes of cooperation and potential synergies between respective policies and initiatives, in line with international standards and commitments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 18 December 1979 (CEDAW), the general recommendations made by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, the 2030 Agenda and UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent UN Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security.
2.
Such cooperation may include:
(a) fostering effective gender mainstreaming;
(b) supporting the development and implementation of a national action plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000);
(c) promoting women's political participation and leadership, as well as their access to quality education, their economic empowerment and leadership, and their increased participation in the workforce;
(d) strengthening national and regional institutions through specific measures to address and handle issues related to violence against women and girls, including prevention and protection from sexual and gender-based violence, investigation and accountability mechanisms, support to victims and promotion of conditions of safety and security for women and girls;
(e) actively reinforcing the protection of women human rights, including from any type of discrimination and violence against them and ensuring their access to justice;
(f) enhancing cooperation with relevant bodies of the UN and other international organisations;
(g) actively promoting gender analysis and the systematic integration of gender perspective in all matters related to peace and security while ensuring women's leadership and meaningful participation in peace processes, mediation efforts, conflict resolution and peace building as well as civilian and military missions and operations.
ARTICLE 1.4
Countering Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
1. The Parties consider that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, both to state and non-state actors, represents one of the most serious threats to international stability and security. The Parties shall therefore cooperate and contribute to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery through full compliance with and national implementation of their existing obligations under international disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements and other relevant international obligations. The Parties agree that this provision constitutes an essential element of this Agreement.
2. The Parties shall cooperate and contribute to countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery by:
(a) taking steps to sign, ratify, or accede to, as appropriate, and fully implement relevant international instruments;
(b) establishing and maintaining an effective system of national export controls, controlling the export as well as the transit of WMD related goods, including a WMD end-use control on dual use technologies and effective sanctions for breaches of export controls.
3. The Parties shall establish a regular political dialogue to accompany and consolidate these elements.
ARTICLE 1.5
Small Arms and Light Weapons and other Conventional Weapons
1. The Parties recognise that the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), including their ammunition, parts and components, and their illicit accumulation, poor management, inadequately secured stockpiles and uncontrolled spread continue to pose a serious threat to peace and international security.
2. The Parties shall observe and fully implement their respective obligations to deal with the illicit trade in SALW, including their ammunition, parts and components, under existing international agreements and UN Security Council resolutions, as well as their commitments within the framework of other international instruments applicable in this area, such as the UN Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.
3. The Parties recognise the importance of domestic control systems for the transfer of conventional arms in line with existing international standards. The Parties recognise the importance of applying such controls in a responsible manner, as a contribution to international and regional peace, security and stability, and to the reduction of human suffering, as well as to the prevention of diversion of conventional weapons.
4.
The Parties shall fully implement the Arms Trade Treaty, adopted in New York on 2 April 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the "ATT"), and cooperate with each other within the framework of the ATT, including in promoting the universalisation of the ATT to all UN Member States and full implementation by all State Parties.
5. The Parties shall cooperate and ensure coordination, complementarity and synergy in their efforts to regulate or improve the regulation of international trade in conventional arms and to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms, including their ammunition, parts and components.
6. The Parties shall establish a regular political dialogue to accompany and consolidate the matters covered by this Article.
ARTICLE 1.6
International Criminal Court
1. The Parties recognise that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community must not go unpunished and they shall endeavour to ensure that those crimes are effectively investigated and prosecuted by taking measures at the national level and by enhancing international cooperation, including with the International Criminal Court (hereinafter referred to as the "ICC").
2.
The Parties shall promote the universal ratification or accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (hereinafter referred to as "the Rome Statute"), and shall work towards its effective domestic implementation by States Parties to the ICC. The Parties shall exchange, as appropriate, best practices on the adoption of domestic laws and take measures to safeguard the integrity of the Rome Statute.
ARTICLE 1.7
Counter-Terrorism
The Parties reaffirm the importance of the fight against terrorism and, in accordance with international conventions, the relevant UN resolutions and their respective laws and regulations, shall cooperate, as mutually agreed, in the prevention and suppression of acts of terrorism. They shall do so in particular:
(a) in the framework of full and effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and other relevant UN resolutions and international instruments;
(b) by promoting cooperation among UN Member States to effectively implement the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the UN General Assembly on 8 September 2006;
(c)
by exchanging information on terrorist groups and their support networks in accordance with international and domestic law; and
(d) by exchanging experiences on the means and methods used to prevent and counter terrorism, including technical knowledge and training and by exchanging best practices in terrorism prevention.
ARTICLE 1.8
Peacekeeping and Crisis Management
The Parties shall cooperate in promoting peace and international security. They shall explore possibilities to coordinate crisis management activities, including cooperation in crisis management operations.
ARTICLE 1.9
Citizen Security
The Parties shall promote dialogue and cooperation on citizen security. They acknowledge that citizen security has a national, transnational, regional and bi-regional dimension which requires a broader dialogue and cooperation.
CHAPTER 2
COOPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS
ARTICLE 2.1
International Organisations
1. The Parties shall promote multilateralism and shall cooperate by exchanging views and, where appropriate, coordinating positions in international organisations and fora, including the UN and its specialised agencies, the World Trade Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "WTO"), the Group of Twenty (hereinafter referred to as "G20"), and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (hereinafter referred to as the "OECD").
2. The Parties shall maintain effective consultation mechanisms in the margins of multilateral fora. The Parties shall maintain open and continuous dialogue at the UN Human Rights Council, the UN General Assembly and, as appropriate and agreed by the Parties, in other organs and specialised agencies of the UN.
ARTICLE 2.2
Regional Organisations
1. The Parties shall cooperate by exchanging views on issues of mutual interest, and, where appropriate, by sharing information on positions in regional and sub-regional organisations and fora.
2. The Parties shall promote bi-regional dialogue and cooperation, including in the framework of the cooperation between the Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (hereinafter referred to as "CELAC"). Cooperation may, as appropriate, include support for CELAC integration and community building.
3. The Parties shall promote cooperation in the Pacific Alliance, through its framework for observer states.
4. The Parties shall promote regional and triangular cooperation with third countries, mainly in Central America and the Caribbean.
CHAPTER 3
FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE
ARTICLE 3.1
Legal and Judicial Cooperation
1. The Parties shall enhance existing cooperation on mutual legal assistance and extradition based on relevant international agreements. The Parties shall strengthen existing mechanisms and, as appropriate, consider the development of new mechanisms to facilitate international cooperation in this area. Such cooperation shall include taking steps to sign, ratify, or accede to, as appropriate, and fully implement relevant international instruments, and closer cooperation with Eurojust.
2. The Parties shall develop judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, in particular, as regards the negotiation, ratification and implementation of multilateral conventions on civil judicial cooperation, including the Conventions of The Hague Conference on Private International Law in the field of international legal cooperation and litigation as well as the protection of children.
ARTICLE 3.2
Law Enforcement and the Prevention and Fight Against Corruption and
Transnational Organised Crime
1. The Parties shall cooperate and exchange views on preventing and combatting transnational organised crime, trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants, trafficking of firearms, including their ammunition, their parts and components, economic and financial crimes, the world drug problem, corruption, and counterfeiting of means of payment in accordance with their respective legislation and international obligations, including as regards mutual legal assistance, exchange of information, best practices and training, and the recovery of assets or funds derived from criminal activities.
2. The Parties shall continue their dialogue and cooperation on law enforcement, including through strategic cooperation with Europol, as well as their strategic judicial cooperation, including through Eurojust and, when relevant, with other national and international institutions.
3. The Parties shall endeavour to collaborate in international fora to promote, as appropriate, adherence to and the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, adopted on 15 November 2000 by the UN Resolution 55/25 (hereinafter referred to as the "Palermo Convention") and the Protocols thereto.
4.
The Parties shall promote the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption, adopted on 31 October 2003 by the UN Resolution 58/4 and support the Mechanism for the Review of Implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption established by the Conference of the States Parties to the UN Convention against Corruption in Doha, 9‑13 November 2009 (hereinafter referred to as the "Implementation Review Mechanism"), including by adhering to the principle of transparency and the participation of civil society in the Implementation Review Mechanism.
5. The Parties recognise the importance of fighting corruption in international trade and investment and, to that end, commit to the Protocol on the Prevention and Fight against Corruption which is annexed to this Agreement.
ARTICLE 3.3
Migration, Asylum and Border Management
1. The Parties shall cooperate and exchange experiences and information on migration issues, within the framework of their respective laws, regulations and competences, including regular and irregular migration, countering migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons, migration and development, asylum, readmission, integration, visas, facilitate regular migration, migratory control, and border management. The Parties shall exchange best practices on the protection of migrant women and children, in particular those unaccompanied, as well as other vulnerable groups.
2.
The Parties shall cooperate to prevent irregular migration, to counter migrant smuggling and trafficking in persons, and to foster safe, regular and orderly migration. To that end, within the framework of their respective laws and regulations:
(a) Mexico shall readmit any of its nationals obliged to return from the territory of a Member State, on request by the latter and without further formalities, unless otherwise provided for by a specific agreement;
(b) each Member State shall readmit any of its nationals obliged to return from the territory of Mexico, on request by the latter and without further formalities, unless otherwise provided for by a specific agreement;
(c) the Member States and Mexico shall provide their nationals with appropriate travel documents for the purposes referred to in points (a) and (b), or accept the use of the Union travel documents for return purposes;
(d) the Parties shall endeavour to negotiate a specific agreement defining obligations on readmission of nationals, including means of evidence regarding nationality. The conditions for the readmission of third-country nationals shall be established by that agreement.
ARTICLE 3.4
World Drug Problem
1. The Parties shall cooperate to ensure a balanced and integrated approach on drug issues with a view to:
(a) joining efforts towards achieving the effective implementation of the operational recommendations of the 2016 Special Session of the UN General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS 2016);
(b) addressing the health and social consequences of the world drug problem, with policies aimed at achieving sustainable development, through comprehensive, evidence-based demand reduction initiatives at all levels covering in particular prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration programmes;
(c) investing in treatment and increasing awareness on public health responses to drug use amongst the national health systems;
(d) strengthening epidemiological research and further improving the systematic availability and quality of statistical information across all drug domains;
(e)
ensuring a public health approach that promotes access to and availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes, while preventing their diversion to the illicit market;
(f) reducing the supply, trafficking and demand for illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances, including through the exchange of information and other cooperation activities as appropriate;
(g) mainstreaming a gender and human rights perspective in all drug policies and programmes;
(h) encouraging the application of alternative to coercive sanctions to persons who have committed drugs-law and drug-related offences;
(i) addressing the diversion of chemical precursors, essential chemicals and products or preparations containing them used for the illicit production of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and new psychoactive substances.
2.
The Parties shall collaborate to attain those objectives, including, when possible, by encouraging third countries that have not already done so to ratify and implement existing international drug control conventions and protocols to which they are party. The Parties shall base their actions on their applicable laws and regulations, on commonly accepted principles in line with the relevant UN drug control conventions and on the recommendations set out in the outcome document of the UNGASS 2016 entitled "Our joint commitment to effectively addressing and countering the world drug problem", as the most recent international consensus on the world drug policy, in order to take stock of the implementation of the commitments made to jointly address and counter the world drug problem, particularly in the light of the 2019 target date.
ARTICLE 3.5
Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism
The Parties shall cooperate with a view to preventing and effectively combatting the use of their financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to launder the proceeds of criminal activities and to finance terrorism. To that end, they shall exchange information in accordance with their respective legislation and cooperate to ensure the effective and full implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the "FATF") recommendations and other standards adopted by relevant international bodies active in this area. Such cooperation may include, among others, the recovery, seizure, confiscation, tracing, identification and return of assets or funds related to proceeds of criminal activity or to terrorist financing.
ARTICLE 3.6
Cybercrime
1. The Parties recognise that cybercrime is a global problem requiring a global response. The Parties shall strengthen cooperation to prevent and combat cybercrime through the exchange of information and best practices and trends, in accordance with their respective legislation, and relevant international legal instruments on cybercrime. The Parties shall work together, as appropriate, to provide assistance and support to other States in the development of effective laws, policies and practices to prevent and combat cybercrime.
2. The Parties shall, as appropriate, in accordance with their respective legislation, exchange information, experiences and best practices in areas such as the education and training of cybercrime investigators, the conduct of cybercrime investigations and digital forensics with emphasis on combatting child sexual exploitation and protecting critical infrastructure such as the financial, energy and telecommunications sectors, among others.
ARTICLE 3.7
Personal Data Protection
1. The Parties recognise the importance of protecting the fundamental rights to privacy and the protection of personal data. The Parties shall cooperate to ensure the respect of these fundamental rights including in the area of law enforcement and when preventing and combatting terrorism and other serious transnational crimes.
2.
The Parties shall cooperate to promote a high level of protection for personal data. Cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels may include capacity building, technical assistance, the exchange of information and expertise, and cooperation through regulatory counterparts in international bodies as mutually agreed by the Parties.
ARTICLE 3.8
Consumer Policy
The Parties recognise the importance of ensuring a high level of consumer protection and, to that end, shall endeavour to cooperate in the field of consumer policy. Such cooperation may involve to the extent possible:
(a) exchanging information on their respective consumer protection frameworks, including on consumer laws, consumer product safety, consumer redress and the enforcement of consumer legislation;
(b) encouraging the development of independent consumer associations and contacts between consumer representatives.
ARTICLE 3.9
Consular Protection
Mexico agrees that the diplomatic and consular authorities of any represented EU Member State shall provide protection to any national of a EU Member State which does not have a permanent representation in Mexico effectively in a position to provide consular protection in a given case, on the same conditions as to nationals of that EU Member State.
ARTICLE 3.10
Disaster Risk Management and Civil Protection
The Parties recognise the need to manage both domestic and global natural and man-made disaster risks. The Parties affirm their common commitment to improving prevention, mitigation, preparedness, early warning, response and recovery measures in order to increase the resilience of their societies and infrastructure, and to cooperate, as appropriate, at a bilateral and multilateral level to improve global disaster risk-management outcomes aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, in coherence with the SDGs, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (hereinafter referred to as the "Paris Agreement") and the New Urban Agenda.
CHAPTER 4
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE 4.1
Sustainable Development
1. The Parties reaffirm their commitment to achieve sustainable development, as expressed in the 2030 Agenda. The Parties recognise that sustainable development in the long term requires inclusive economic growth, social well-being and sustainable use of natural resources. Those three dimensions are recognised as deeply interlinked and mutually reinforced.
2. The Parties shall promote sustainable development in its three dimensions, economic, social and environmental, in a balanced manner, including the responsible, efficient use and sustainable management of natural resources, in accordance with their respective priorities and circumstances, as well as raise awareness of the economic and social costs of environmental damage, unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, and its associated impact on human well-being.
3. The Parties shall promote human inclusive sustainable development through dialogue, joint action, sharing of best practices, good governance at all levels, and the mobilisation of financial resources, making the best possible use of existing financial instruments and exploring the viability of establishing new ones.
ARTICLE 4.2
Sustainable Development Cooperation
1. The main objective of development cooperation is to implement the 2030 Agenda, in its multidimensional and human-centered perspective, and to achieve the SDGs. The principles of effective development cooperation as outlined by the Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, building on the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, adopted at the High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Paris on 2 March 2005 and the Accra Agenda for Action, endorsed at the High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Accra on 4 September 2008, are important tools to maximise its development impact.
2. The Parties shall address the challenges linked to achieving the SDGs by giving priority to each Party's needs and national ownership, taking into account regional context, and building synergies and development partnerships with a range of stakeholders on the field, including the civil society, local governments, private sector or non-profit organisations. While recognising the central role of Governments in promoting development, the Parties shall also cooperate to promote the uptake by the private sector, in particular SME's, of sustainable development policies in its practices.
3. The Parties shall cooperate to progressively improve global resource efficiency and sustainability in consumption and production patterns, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and shall endeavour to take actions aimed at decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation.
4.
The Parties shall hold a regular policy dialogue on sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs, based on common priorities in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their development cooperation, in line with internationally accepted principles of aid and development effectiveness.
5. The Parties recognise that mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity into sectoral and cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies across relevant sectors, and strengthening of legal, institutional and regulatory domestic frameworks can contribute to generating positive impacts on biological diversity and its ecosystem services as well as to achieving sustainable development. As such, the Parties shall cooperate to integrate biodiversity mainstreaming into relevant sectors, as applicable, to enhance efforts to halt biodiversity loss and improve human well-being.
6. The Parties shall cooperate and carry out joint activities, including through bilateral coordination in relevant multilateral fora, as well as regional and triangular cooperation preferably based on existing mechanisms and initiatives, in light of their sustainable development dialogue and their commitment to the 2030 Agenda. The areas of cooperation may include:
(a) implementation of the goals and targets of the SDGs;
(b) environmental protection, at all levels, including conservation and sustainable use of natural resources;
(c)
climate change, resilience, disaster risk management and sustainable energy;
(d) the security-development nexus, including building stability and security, supporting the rule of law, countering the world drug problem and transnational organised crime;
(e) inclusive growth and job creation;
(f) governance, including strengthening fiscal, economic, environmental and social governance;
(g) education, including higher education, technical and vocational training, capacity building, innovation, and exchanges in these areas; and
(h) private sector participation strategies.
7. The Parties shall continue developing triangular cooperation activities in order to support third countries in their implementation of SDGs, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing countries in situations of vulnerability, such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS). In that regard, the Parties shall explore innovative engagement modalities, including for more advanced developing countries, as appropriate. Triangular cooperation shall consist of supporting tailor-made strategies and commonly agreed actions based on the needs of third countries. To that end, the Parties shall develop coordinated cooperation activities such as technical assistance, training, capacity building, knowledge sharing, and other forms of cooperation jointly defined between the Parties and with the recipient third country.
8.
Such cooperation may be undertaken through, among others:
(a) capacity building and knowledge sharing through training courses, workshops and seminars, the exchange of experts, studies, and joint research;
(b) mobilising financial resources through blending operations in partnership with the European Investment Bank and other eligible European development finance institutions;
(c) considering other forms of development financing as appropriate, with a focus on innovative financing mechanisms, such as triangular cooperation; and
(d) exchanging information on best practices of development effectiveness.
9. The Parties shall work together to strengthen accountability and transparency with a focus on improving development results and cooperate to strengthen national systems to deliver sustainable services and mainstream gender considerations across programmes and instruments.
10. Development cooperation shall be carried out in line with the relevant internationally agreed principles and policies to which both Parties have adhered to.
ARTICLE 4.3
Sustainable Urban Agenda
The Parties shall cooperate in the implementation of policies promoting sustainable urban settlements, including those derived from the New Urban Agenda, aiming to achieve cities and human settlements where all persons are able to enjoy equal rights and opportunities, as well as their fundamental freedoms, in line with the SDGs and targets, in particular Goal 11: "Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable".
ARTICLE 4.4
Regional and Urban Policy Development
1. The Parties recognise the importance of policies to promote balanced and sustainable territorial and urban development as a means to contribute effectively to the implementation of the objectives of the 2030 Agenda and the New Urban Agenda.
2. The Parties shall promote cooperation and partnership involving all the key actors in the fields of regional and territorial development and sustainable urban development, in particular, on ways to address territorial and urban challenges in an integrated and comprehensive manner.
3. The Parties shall develop, wherever possible, concrete opportunities for region-to-region and city-to-city cooperation on sustainable solutions to regional and urban challenges with a view to improving capacity building through exchanges of experience and practice, and mutual learning.
CHAPTER 5
ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
ARTICLE 5.1
Environment
1. The Parties recognise the need to protect, conserve, restore and sustainably manage natural resources and biological diversity, including soil, land, forests, water, oceans, seas and marine resources, as a basis for sustainable development supporting the needs of current and future generations.
2. The Parties recognise the importance of global environmental governance and international rules, including multilateral environmental agreements, to tackle environmental challenges of common concern. Each Party reaffirms its commitment to implement the multilateral environmental agreements to which it is a party.
3.
The Parties shall strengthen their cooperation in mutually agreed priority areas on environmental protection, conservation, responsible, efficient use and sustainable management of natural resources, and on mainstreaming environmental considerations in all sectors of cooperation, including in an international and regional context. Those priority areas may include:
(a) promoting good environmental governance, including policy dialogue and cooperation areas such as the implementation of UN Environment Assembly resolutions and multilateral environmental agreements, as well as promoting compliance with environmental law;
(b) identifying bilateral priorities and, fostering the exchange of information, technical expertise, technology and knowledge transfer, and best practices in areas such as:
(i) implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation;
(ii) green growth, including sustainable consumption and production, resource efficiency, circular economy, and green finance;
(iii) biodiversity mainstreaming into economic and productive sectors;
(iv) protection, conservation and sustainable management of forests;
(v)
protection, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity including the mapping and assessment of ecosystems and their services, their valuation, and other economic instruments for the protection of biodiversity, as well as access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization;
(vi) land degradation and desertification;
(vii) prevention and the combat against illegal harvest and trade in wildlife, forest resources, genetic resources, and support for their legal sustainable and traceable trade;
(viii) sound management of chemicals and waste;
(ix) integrated Water Resource Management (hereinafter referred to as the "IWRM"), air and soil policy;
(x) coastal and marine environment conservation and management and sustainable blue economy;
(xi) designation, representativeness, effective management and connectivity of protected areas, as well as other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), including marine protected areas; and
(xii) collaboration with the private sector in the areas referred to in this point, where possible.
ARTICLE 5.2
Climate Change
1. The Parties acknowledge that the urgent threat of climate change requires collective action for low-emission and climate-resilient development, as well as adaptation measures.
2. The Parties recognise the importance of international rules and agreements in the area of climate change, in particular the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, done at New York on 9 May 1992 (hereinafter referred to as the "UNFCCC") and the Paris Agreement, and stress that their implementation is irreversible and reaffirm their commitments under these agreements.
3. The Parties shall work together to strengthen their cooperation under the UNFCCC, to implement the Paris Agreement and their nationally determined contributions (hereinafter referred to as the "NDCs"), as well as to invite other countries to do so and to develop their long-term low greenhouse gas emissions development strategies.
4. Such cooperation may include:
(a) facilitating further action, to contribute to national debates and policy work;
(b) supporting low carbon economic development in accordance with the Paris Agreement;
(c)
extending the NDCs into national sector policies and measures that cover transport, energy, infrastructure, urban planning, land use and investment sector strategies, including the integration of the adaptation processes in the sectorial development strategies;
(d) supporting the facilitative dialogue and the early definition of measures to review climate action in all countries;
(e) developing the transparency agenda under the Paris Agreement, including policy dialogue and cooperation in mutually agreed priority areas;
(f) enhancing other processes such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (hereinafter referred to as the "ICAO") stabilisation of international aviation emissions at 2020 levels, the adoption and formulation of the "Comprehensive strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships" by the International Maritime Organisation (hereinafter referred to as the "IMO"), or the ambitious phase-down of hydroflurocarbons (hereinafter referred to as the "HFCs") under the Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, adopted in Kigali on 15 October 2016 including its ratification and ensuring its swift implementation to achieve an ambitious global phase-down of consumption and production of HFCs;
(g) Promoting domestic climate policies and programmes in the framework of the Paris Agreement, including the promotion of emissions monitoring and market and non-market mechanisms, sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure development, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable transport as well as those which address the adverse effects of deforestation, forest, soil and all ecosystems degradation on climate.;
(h)
strengthening synergies with entrepreneurs, civil society organisations and local authorities, which complement the efforts made by States;
(i) participation of the private sector towards a low-carbon economy;
(j) promoting market-based measures to introduce carbon pricing and the "polluter pays" principle;
(k) enhancing the development and deployment of commercially viable low-emission and other climate-friendly technologies;
(l) progressively eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels, and promoting the development of a sustainable and low-carbon economy, such as investment in renewable energies and energy efficient solutions;
(m) enhancing bilateral dialogue and measures on adaptation, mitigation and means of implementation, including technology transfer, capacity building and finance;
(n) fostering the consideration of the cross-cutting approaches of gender and youth in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement;
(o) promoting policies on climate impacts on water resources;
(p)
implementing the Paris Pact on Water and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Basins of Rivers, Lakes and Aquifers, presented at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris on 2 December 2015 as well as the Lima-Paris Action Agenda launched at the Climate Summit in New York on 23 September 2014;
(q) strengthening cooperation schemes to ensure more ambitious future NDCs while taking into account the global stocktake process.
ARTICLE 5.3
Energy
1. The Parties recognise the importance of the energy sector to economic prosperity and international peace and stability and underline that the transformation of the energy sector is key to achieving the goals set out in Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement. They recognise the need to improve and diversify energy supplies (including the promotion of renewable energies), promote innovation, research, development and training of human resources, as well as increase energy efficiency in order to strengthen energy productivity, energy security, and safe, sustainable and affordable energy. The Parties shall work towards those objectives.
2. The Parties shall maintain information exchanges on energy and collaborate bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally to foster open and competitive markets, share best practices, promote science-based, transparent regulation, and discuss areas of cooperation on energy issues, such as within the framework of international fora, mechanisms and initiatives.
CHAPTER 6
AGRICULTURE, MARITIME AFFAIRS AND FISHERIES
ARTICLE 6.1
Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development
The Parties shall cooperate in, among others:
(a) agricultural and rural development policy;
(b) agricultural market outlook;
(c) sustainable management of natural resources and climate action;
(d) sustainable and resilient agriculture by promoting awareness for the "Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems" and the "Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security" of the Committee on World Food Security;
(e) fostering rural development through capacity building on trade related issues, including geographical indications as an intellectual property right;
(f)
organic farming;
(g) research and innovation;
(h) organisation and development of sustainable production processes in the agrifood sector (agriculture and livestock);
(i) organisation and productive development of rural communities;
(j) food security;
(k) prevention of postharvest loss and food waste;
(l) applied research for the production and management of agricultural and animal products; and
(m) processing of agricultural and food products.
ARTICLE 6.2
Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
1. The Parties recognise the importance of the conservation and the sustainable and responsible management of fisheries, aquaculture and other maritime activities and their contribution to providing economic, social and environmental, opportunities for present and future generations.
2.
The Parties shall strengthen dialogue and cooperation on issues of mutual interest in the areas of fisheries and maritime affairs.
3. The Parties shall, in a manner consistent with their international obligations:
(a) contribute to improving the global ocean governance system, including by filling regulatory and implementation gaps and promoting the ratification and implementation of relevant instruments in the maritime and fisheries sectors with third countries;
(b) adopt effective monitoring, control and surveillance measures, such as observer schemes, vessel monitoring schemes, transhipment control, inspections at sea and port state measures and associated sanctions, aimed at the conservation of fish stocks and the prevention of overfishing;
(c) maintain or adopt actions and cooperate to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (hereinafter referred to as "IUU") fishing, including, where appropriate, the exchange of information on IUU activities in their waters and the implementation of policies and measures to exclude IUU products from trade flows and fish farming operations;
(d) cooperate with, and where appropriate in, regional fisheries management organisations to which both Parties are either members, observers, or cooperating non-contracting parties, with the aim of achieving good governance, including by advocating for science-based decisions and compliance with such decisions in those organisations;
(e)
promote the development of sustainable production processes, which are environmentally responsible and economically competitive, in the freshwater and marine aquaculture industry;
(f) strengthen the safety and security of the oceans;
(g) reduce pressures on the oceans including through the fight against marine litter;
(h) promote maritime spatial planning and integrated coastal zone management;
(i) support marine research and biotechnology; and
(j) exchange best practices on the sustainable development of maritime economic activities of mutual interest to the Parties such as ocean energy, coastal and maritime tourism.
CHAPTER 7
ECONOMIC POLICY
ARTICLE 7.1
Macroeconomic Policies
The Parties shall strengthen the dialogue between their authorities on macroeconomic policies and trends and promote the exchange of information and views thereon.
ARTICLE 7.2
Enterprise and Industry, including Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
1. The Parties shall promote a favourable environment for the development and improved competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (hereinafter referred to as "SMEs") and promote horizontal industrial policy cooperation as appropriate. Such cooperation shall consist in:
(a) promoting contacts between economic operators, encouraging joint investments and establishing joint ventures and information networks through existing horizontal programmes;
(b)
exchanging information and experiences on creating framework conditions for SMEs to improve their competitiveness and on procedures related to the creation of SMEs;
(c) facilitating the activities established by SMEs of both sides;
(d) exchanging information and best practices on Industry 4.0; and
(e) promoting corporate social responsibility and accountability and encouraging responsible business practices, including sustainable consumption and production.
2. The Parties shall facilitate relevant cooperation activities established by the private sector.
ARTICLE 7.3
Business and Human Rights
The Parties shall promote corporate social responsibility, in accordance with relevant international standards, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, at the national level, as well as to promote capacity building and the exchange of experiences at the international level.
ARTICLE 7.4
Raw Materials
1. The Parties recognise that a transparent, market-based approach is the best way to create an environment favourable to investment in the production and trade of raw materials.
2. The Parties shall promote cooperation on issues relating to raw materials within relevant regional or multilateral settings or through bilateral dialogue on request of either Party, based on mutual interests. This cooperation shall aim to remove barriers to trade in raw materials within such settings, strengthen a rules-based global framework for trade in raw materials, promote transparency in global markets for raw materials and contribute to sustainable development.
3. Such cooperation may include exchanges of information in relation to:
(a) supply and demand, bilateral trade and investment issues as well as international trade issues;
(b) tariff and non-tariff barriers for raw-material goods, related services and investments;
(c) the Parties' respective regulatory frameworks;
(d) technologies applied to production processes and use of raw materials; and
(e) best practices in relation to sustainable development of the mining industry, including minerals policy, land-use planning, permitting procedures, transparency and governance.
ARTICLE 7.5
Statistics
The Parties shall cooperate in the field of statistics, in particular by actively promoting the sharing of best practices. Such cooperation may include:
(a) increased attendance at high-level international meetings in topics of mutual interest;
(b) the harmonisation of statistics methodologies to improve data comparability; and
(c) the production and dissemination of official statistics and the development of indicators.
ARTICLE 7.6
Transport
1. The Parties shall cooperate and strengthen dialogue in all relevant areas of transport policy, including integrated transport policy, with a view to improving the movement of goods and passengers, promoting maritime and aviation safety and security and environmental protection and increasing the efficiency of their transport systems.
2.
Such cooperation and dialogue may include:
(a) exchanging information and best practices with regard to their respective transport policies;
(b) strengthening aviation relations between Mexico and the Union including exploring the possibility of concluding a dedicated aviation agreement;
(c) promoting the goals of unrestricted access to international maritime markets and trade, based on fair competition and on a commercial basis;
(d) facilitating maritime transport, logistics chains and multi-modal transport to enhance competitiveness and economic relations;
(e) promoting environment-related transport issues;
(f) facilitating expert dialogue and cooperation within international transport fora; and
(g) supporting the cross-border electronic flow of information for the promotion of a dynamic environment for efficient and cost-effective transport services.
CHAPTER 8
EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SOCIAL ISSUES
ARTICLE 8.1
Education
The Parties shall promote cooperation and dialogue in relevant areas of education, including:
(a) strengthening higher education and technical and vocational education and training;
(b) increasing the mobility of students, researchers, academic and administrative staff from higher-education institutions; and
(c) fostering capacity building in higher education institutions, including the improvement of mechanisms for recognition of qualifications and study periods abroad.
ARTICLE 8.2
Culture
1. The Parties shall cooperate in relevant international fora, in particular the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as the "UNESCO"), in order to pursue common objectives and to foster cultural diversity, including through implementation of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by the General Conference of the UNESCO in Paris on 20 October 2005.
2. The Parties shall promote closer cooperation in the cultural and creative sectors and industries, including emerging and new technologies and audio-visual media, in order to enhance, inter alia, mutual understanding and knowledge of their respective cultures.
3. The Parties shall promote cultural exchanges and carry out joint initiatives in various cultural areas under available cooperation frameworks.
4. The Parties shall promote cooperation and joint initiatives related to the creation, promotion and dissemination of digital contents in the artistic and cultural field within a legal framework that recognises and values the work of creators, as a way to enhance universal access to culture and its components.
5.
The Parties shall encourage intercultural dialogue between their respective civil society organisations as well as individuals.
6. The Parties recognise the role played by culture as both an enabler and driver of the economic, social and environmental dimensions of conflict prevention and sustainable development, bearing in mind that the cultural and creative industries are major drivers of the economies of developed and developing countries.
ARTICLE 8.3
Employment and Social Issues
1. The Parties acknowledge that improving living standards, creating quality jobs and promoting decent work should be at the heart of employment and social policies.
2. The Parties shall respect and promote the fundamental principles and rights at work set out in the International Labour Organization's (hereinafter referred to as the "ILO") Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, adopted by the International Labour Conference in Geneva on 18 June 1998, and in the corresponding ILO Conventions to which they are party.
3.
The Parties shall enhance cooperation in the field of employment, social dialogue and social affairs and promote exchanges of information regarding employment, health and safety at work, labour issues and social protection.
ARTICLE 8.4
Exponential Technological Change
The Parties shall share lessons learned and best practices to address in an effective and comprehensive manner the impacts of exponential technological change, automation, and its implications towards the full implementation of the SDGs.
ARTICLE 8.5
Social Cohesion and Inclusion
The Parties shall cooperate to enhance social cohesion through the reduction of poverty in all its forms, inequality and social exclusion with a view to achieving the SDGs globally and promoting fair globalisation, full employment, and decent work for all men and women including through:
(a) strengthening social protection systems;
(b)
encouraging equal access and non-discrimination in social policies;
(c) fostering innovation to address social challenges through the exchange of information on best practices, and the promotion of dialogue and research in this sector; and
(d) promoting social economy solidarity for inclusion and combatting poverty.
ARTICLE 8.6
Health
1. The Parties shall cooperate in the field of public health, including prevention and health promotion, to raise the level of public health safety and promote universal health coverage.
2. Such cooperation may include:
(a) exchanging information and collaborating on issues of mutual interest;
(b) promoting implementation of international health agreements; and
(c) facilitating exchanges, fellowships and training programmes in the areas referred to in paragraph 1.
ARTICLE 8.7
Tourism
1. The Parties shall cooperate in the area of tourism. Such cooperation shall primarily aim to improve the exchange of information and best practices in order to ensure the balanced and sustainable development of tourism and to support the creation of jobs and economic development.
2. Such cooperation shall focus on:
(a) safeguarding and maximising the potential of natural and cultural heritage;
(b) practices encouraging responsible tourism and respect of local communities;
(c) exchanging information and best practices about actions to improve skills and competences in the tourism sector;
(d) promoting information exchange and cooperation for creative industries and innovation in the tourism sector; and
(e) exchanging best practices with a view to mainstreaming sustainability principles, in particular biodiversity, in tourism.
CHAPTER 9
RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND DIGITAL ECONOMY
ARTICLE 9.1
Research and Innovation
1. The Parties shall cooperate in the area of scientific research, technological development and innovation on the basis of mutual interest and benefit and in accordance with their respective legislation. Such cooperation shall aim to promote sustainable development, tackle global societal challenges, achieve scientific excellence, improve regional competitiveness, as well as strengthen relations between the Parties, leading to long lasting partnerships. The Parties shall foster policy dialogue at bilateral and regional levels and use their different instruments, including agreements for scientific and technological cooperation, in complementary ways.
2. The Parties shall seek to:
(a) improve conditions for mobility of researchers, scientists, experts, students and entrepreneurs and for movement of material and equipment across borders;
(b)
facilitate reciprocal access to each other's science, technology and innovation (hereinafter referred to as the "STI") programmes, research infrastructures and facilities, publications and scientific data;
(c) increase cooperation in pre-normative research and standardisation; and
(d) promote common principles to achieve an adequate and effective level of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in research and innovation projects.
3. The Parties shall promote the following activities to be undertaken by government organisations, public and private research centres, higher-education institutions, innovation agencies and networks, and other stakeholders, including SMEs:
(a) joint initiatives to raise awareness on science, technology, innovation, and capacity-building programmes and opportunities for participating in each other's programmes;
(b) joint meetings and workshops aiming at exchanging information, best practices and identifying areas for joint research;
(c) joint research actions in areas of mutual interest;
(d) mutually recognised assessment and evaluation of scientific cooperation and dissemination of the corresponding results.
ARTICLE 9.2
Digital Economy
1. The Parties recognise that information and communication technologies (hereinafter referred to as "ICTs") are key elements of modern life and are of vital importance to contribute to strengthen information and knowledge in a society in order to enhance economic, educational and social development. The Parties shall exchange views on their respective policies in this field.
2. Such cooperation may include:
(a) exchanging views on the different aspects of the digital single market policy, in particular electronic communications policies and regulation, including access to broadband services, protection of privacy and personal data, e-government, open government, open data, internet security, e-health, and the independence of regulatory authorities;
(b) promoting ICTs as means to promote economic, social and cultural development, social and digital inclusion and cultural diversity, emphasising the entrepreneurial spirit and participatory collaborative work as well as stimulating connectivity in schools and developing research and academic networks;
(c) developing the interconnection and interoperability of research networks, computing and scientific data infrastructures and services, including those within a regional context;
(d)
cooperating in the area of e-government and trust services such as electronic signature and electronic identification (eID), with a focus on exchanging policy principles, information and best practices on the use of ICTs to modernise public administration, promote high quality public services, improve organisational efficiency and transparent management of public resources;
(e) exchanging information on standards, conformity assessment and type approval; and
(f) promoting the exchange and training of specialists, in particular young professionals.