The EU Association Agreement and What It Means for the UK
The European Union Association Agreement, also known as the AA, is a treaty between the EU and non-EU countries, which aims to enhance political and economic cooperation. The AA includes provisions on the liberalization of trade, the protection of human rights, and the promotion of democratic values. In this article, we will explore the implications of the EU Association Agreement for the UK, which recently left the European Union.
Firstly, it is important to note that the EU Association Agreement is open only to non-EU countries that have a close relationship with the EU. This means that the UK, as a former EU member state, cannot enter into an AA with the EU. However, the UK has negotiated several post-Brexit trade agreements with countries that have an AA with the EU, such as Canada and Japan. These agreements aim to maintain the same level of access to these markets that the UK enjoyed as an EU member state.
Secondly, the EU Association Agreement is more than just a trade agreement. It includes provisions on a wide range of issues, such as the protection of intellectual property rights, the movement of capital, and the participation in EU programs. As a former EU member state, the UK has already implemented most of these provisions in its national law. However, the UK will no longer have a say in the decision-making process of the EU institutions, which could have an impact on the implementation of future AA provisions.
Thirdly, the EU Association Agreement includes provisions on the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. These provisions are enforceable through a dispute settlement mechanism, which allows the parties to take legal action in case of non-compliance. Although the UK has a strong tradition of protecting human rights and democracy, the implementation of these provisions could become more challenging in the absence of EU supervision.
In conclusion, the EU Association Agreement is a comprehensive treaty that aims to enhance political and economic cooperation between the EU and non-EU countries. Although the UK cannot enter into an AA with the EU, it has negotiated several post-Brexit trade agreements with countries that have an AA with the EU. However, the UK’s departure from the EU can have an impact on the implementation of future AA provisions related to the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
