21994A1231(20)

21994A1231(20) 21994A1231(20) Europe Agreement establishing an association between the European Economic Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part - Protocol 1 on textile and clothing products - Protocol 2 on ECSC products - Protocol 3 on trade between Romania and the Community in processed agricultural products referred to in Article 20 of the Agreement - Protocol 4 concerning the definition of the concept of originating products and methods of administrative cooperation - Protocol 5 on specific provisions concerning trade between Romania, of the one part, and Spain and Portugal, of the other part - Protocol 6 on mutual assistance in customs matters - Protocol 7 on concessions with annual limits - Final Act - Joint Declarations - Declaration by the Commission of the European Communities concerning Article 2 (3) of Protocol 1 - Declarations by the Community - Declarations by Romania Official Journal L 357 , 31/12/1994 P. 0002 - 0189 Finnish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 35 P. 0004 Swedish special edition: Chapter 11 Volume 35 P. 0004  Dates: of document:   19/12/1994 of effect:   01/02/1995; Entry into force See Art 125 of signature:   01/02/1993; Brussels end of validity:   99/99/9999; See Art. 122 Authentic language: The official languages ; Spanish ; Danish ; German ; Greek ; English ; French ; Italian ; Dutch ; Portuguese ; Other than Community language ; Romanian Author: European Community ; European Coal and Steel Community ; European Atomic Energy Community ; The 12 Member States ; Belgium ; Denmark ; Federal Republic of Germany ; Greece ; Spain ; France ; Ireland ; Italy ; Luxembourg ; Netherlands ; Portugal ; United Kingdom ; Romania Subject matter: External relations ; Association Directory code: 11401030 EUROVOC descriptor: EC association agreement ; Romania ; trade agreement ; economic cooperation ; trade cooperation ; European integration Legal basis: 157A101-L2................ Adoption 192E228-P2F2.............. Adoption 192E228-P3L2.............. Adoption 192E238................... Adoption 151K...................... Adoption Instruments cited: 157E042................... 157E043................... 157E085................... 157E086................... 157E092-P3LA.............. 157E092................... 362R0026.................. 475A3490.................. 383R3420.................. 389R3906.................. 390D0233.................. 390D0685.................. 291A0326(03).............. 391R3687.................. 293A0216(02).............. Amendment to: 291A0326(03)...... Amendment..... Replacement from 01/02/1995 Amended by: Completed by.. 294A0129(05)...... Completion from 01/02/1994 Amended by.... 294A0129(05)...... Amendment from 01/02/1994 Completed by.. 294A0517(14)...... Completion from 01/05/1993 Completed by.. 294A0712(02)...... Completion from 01/02/1994 Amended by.... 294A0712(02)...... Amendment from 01/02/1994 Amended by.... 294A1231(39)...... Amendment ANN.III from 01/01/1995 Amended by.... 294A1231(39)...... Replacement ART.10.3 from 01/01/1995 Completed by.. 294A1231(50)...... Completion from 01/01/1995 Amended by.... 294A1231(50)...... Amendment from 01/01/1995 Adopted by.... 394D0907.......... DP19/12/94 Completed by.. 295A1230(05)...... Relation...... 296D0918(01)...... DP22/07/96 Completed by.. 297A0520(04)...... DP1/5/93 Amended by.... 297D0224(01)...... Replacement PROT 4 from 31/01/1997 Repealed by... 298A1111(01)...... Repeal ANN 10 Repealed by... 298A1111(01)...... Repeal ART.18 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Amendment APP A. Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Amendment APP B. Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Amendment APP C. Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Amendment ART.2.3 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 12A Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 12B Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 13 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 2 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 9A Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ANN 9B Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement APP A. ART.2.3 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ART.19.2 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ART.21.2 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ART.21.4 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement ART.9.1 Amended by.... 298A1111(01)...... Replacement PROT 3 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Addition PROT 4 ANN 5 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ANN 1 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ANN 2 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 13 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 14 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 15 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 17 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 21 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 26.1 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 27 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 30 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART 32 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Replacement DATE PROT 4 ART 15.6 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Replacement PROT 4 ART 1.I from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Replacement PROT 4 ART 12 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Replacement PROT 4 ART 3 from 01/01/1999 Amended by.... 299D0209(04)...... Replacement PROT 4 ART 4 from 01/01/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation ART.64.1.1 from 16/03/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation ART.64.1.2 from 16/03/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation ART.64.2 from 16/03/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation PROT 2 ART.9.1.1 from 16/03/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation PROT 2 ART.9.1.2 from 16/03/1999 Implemented by 299D0410(03)...... Implementation PROT 2 ART.9.2 from 16/03/1999 Amended by.... 200D0114(01)...... Completion PROT 4 ANN 2 from 01/01/2000 Amended by.... 200D0114(01)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART.21 from 01/01/2000 Amended by.... 200D0114(01)...... Amendment PROT 4 ART.26 from 01/01/2000 Amended by.... 200D0114(01)...... Replacement PROT 4 ART.30 from 01/01/2000 Amended by.... 300R2435.......... Replacement ANN 11 from 01/07/2000 Relation...... 201D0390.......... Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Replacement PROT4ART1PTI from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Amendment PROT4ART22.1 from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Amendment PROT4ANN2 from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Replacement PROT4ART30 from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Addition PROT4ART20BI from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Replacement PROT4ART7 from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 201R0217(03)...... Amendment PROT4ART15.6 from 01/01/2001 Amended by.... 204A0205(01)...... Addition PROT from DATEFF Subsequent related instruments: Relation...... 399Y0331(01)...... EUROPE AGREEMENT establishing an association between the European Economic Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Romania, of the other part THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM, THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC, THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN, THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, IRELAND, THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC, THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG, THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS, THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC, THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND, Contracting Parties to the Treaty establishing the EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, the Treaty establishing the EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY, and the Treaty establishing the EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY, hereinafter referred to as 'Member States`, and The EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, the EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY and the EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY, hereinafter referred to as 'the Community`, of the one part, and ROMANIA of the other part, CONSIDERING the importance of the traditional links existing between the Community, its Member States and Romania and the common values that they share, RECOGNIZING that the Community and Romania wish to strengthen these links and to establish close and lasting relations, based on reciprocity, which would allow Romania to take part in the process of European integration, thus strengthening and widening the relations established in the past notably by the Agreement on Trade and Commercial and Economic Cooperation, signed on 22 October 1990, CONSIDERING the opportunities for a relationship of a new quality offered by the emergence of a new democracy in Romania, CONSIDERING the commitment of the Community and its Member States and of Romania to strengthening the political and economic freedoms which constitute the very basis of the association, RECOGNIZING the need to continue and complete, with the assistance of the Community, Romania's transition towards a new political and economic system which respects the rule of law and human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities, operates a multi-party system with free and democratic elections, and provides for economic liberalization in order to establish a market economy, CONSIDERING the firm commitment of the Community and its Member States and of Romania to the full implementation of all principles and provisions contained in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the concluding documents of Vienna and Madrid, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, the CSCE Helsinki document 'The Challenges of Change`, and the European Energy Charter, CONSCIOUS of the importance of this Agreement to establishing and enhancing in Europe a system of stability based on cooperation, with the Community as one of the cornerstones, BELIEVING that a link should be made between full implementation of association on the one hand, and continuation of the actual accomplishment of Romania's political, economic and legal reforms on the other hand, as well as the introduction of the factors necessary for cooperation and the actual rapprochement between the Parties' systems, notably in the light of the conclusions of the CSCE Bonn Conference, DESIROUS of establishing and developing regular political dialogue on bilateral and international issues of mutual interest, TAKING ACCOUNT of the Community's willingness to provide decisive support for the implementation of reform and to help Romania cope with the economic and social consequences of structural readjustment, TAKING ACCOUNT furthermore of the Community's willingness to set up instruments of cooperation and economic, technical and financial assistance on a global and multiannual basis, CONSIDERING the commitment of the Community and Romania to free trade, and in particular to comply with the rights and obligations arising out of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, CONSCIOUS of the need to establish the necessary conditions for the freedom of establishment, the freedom to provide services and the free movement of capital, BEARING in mind the economic and social disparities between the Community and Romania and thus recognizing that the objectives of this association should be reached through appropriate provisions of this Agreement, CONVINCED that this Agreement will create a new climate for their economic relations and in particular for the development of trade and investment, instruments which are indispensable for economic restructuring and technological modernization, DESIROUS of establishing cultural cooperation and developing exchanges of information, RECOGNIZING the fact that Romania's ultimate objective is to become a member of the Community, and that this association, in the view of the Parties, will help Romania to achieve this objective, HAVE DECIDED to conclude this Agreement and to this end have designated as their plenipotentiaries, THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM: Willy CLAES, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK: Niels Helveg PETERSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY: Klaus KINKEL, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC: Michel PAPACONSTANTINOU, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE KINGDOM OF SPAIN: Javier SOLANA, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE FRENCH REPUBLIC: Roland DUMAS, Ministre d'État, Minister for Foreign Affairs; IRELAND: Dick SPRING, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC: Eimilio COLOMBO, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBOURG: Jacques POOS, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS: P. KOOIJMANS, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC: J. M. DURĆO BARROSO, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND: Douglas HURD, Minister for Foreign Affairs; THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, THE EUROPEAN ATOMIC ENERGY COMMUNITY AND THE EUROPEAN COAL AND STEEL COMMUNITY: Niels Helveg PETERSEN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark, President-in-Office of the Council of the European Communities; Leon BRITTAN, Member of the Commission; H. van den BROEK, Member of the Commission; ROMANIA: Nicolae VACAROIU, Prime Minister; Teodor Viorel MELESCANU, Ministre d'État, Minister for Foreign Affairs; WHO, having exchanged their full powers, formed in good and due form, HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1 An association is hereby established between the Community and its Member States on the one part, and Romania on the other part. The objectives of this association are: - to provide an appropriate framework for the political dialogue between the Parties allowing the development of close political relations, - to promote the expansion of trade and the harmonious economic relations between the Parties and so to foster the economic development in Romania, - to provide a basis for economic, social, financial and cultural cooperation, - to support Romania's efforts to develop its economy and to complete the conversion into a market economy, and consolidate its democracy, - to set up institutions suitable to make the association effective, - to provide a framework for Romania's gradual integration into the Community. To this end, Romania shall work towards fulfilling the necessary conditions. TITLE I POLITICAL DIALOGUE Article 2 A regular political dialogue shall be established between the Parties which they intend to develop and intensify. It shall accompany and consolidate the rapprochement between the Community and Romania, support the political and economic changes underway in that country and contribute to the establishment of new links of solidarity and new forms of cooperation. The political dialogue: - will facilitate Romania's full integration into the community of democratic nations and progressive rapprochement with the Community. The economic rapprochement provided for in this Agreement will lead to greater political convergence, - will bring about an increasing convergence of positions on international issues, and in particular on those matters likely to have substantial effects on one or the other Party, - will contribute to the rapprochement of the Parties' positions on security issues and will enhance security and stability in the whole of Europe. Article 3 1. Consultations as appropriate shall be held between the Parties at the highest political level. 2. At ministerial level, political dialogue shall take place within the Association Council. This shall have general responsibility for all matters which the Parties might wish to put to it. Article 4 Other procedures and mechanisms for political dialogue shall be set up by the Parties, and in particular in the following forms: - meetings at senior official level (political directors) between officials of Romania on the one hand, and the Presidency of the Council of the European Communities and the Commission of the European Communities, on the other, - taking full advantage of diplomatic channels, - including Romania in the group of countries receiving regular information on the issues dealt with by the European Political Cooperation as well as exchanging information with a view to achieving the objectives set out in Article 2, - any other means which would contribute to consolidating, developing and stepping up this dialogue. Article 5 Political dialogue at parliamentary level shall take place within the framework of the Parliamentary Association Committee. TITLE II GENERAL PRINCIPLES Article 6 Respect for the democratic principles and human rights established by the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, as well as the principles of market economy, inspire the domestic and external policies of the Parties and constitute essential elements of the present association. Article 7 1. The association includes a transitional period of a maximum duration of 10 years divided into two successive stages, each in principle lasting five years. The first stage shall begin when the Agreement enters into force. 2. The Association Council, bearing in mind that the principles of the market economy and the support by the Community through this Agreement are essential to the present association, shall proceed regularly to examine the application of the Agreement and the accomplishment of Romania's economic reforms on the basis of the principles established in the preamble. 3. During the course of the 12 months preceding the expiration of the first stage, the Association Council shall meet to decide the transition to the second stage as well as on any possible changes to be brought about as concerns the dispositions governing the second stage. In doing this, it will take into account the results of the examination mentioned in paragraph 2. 4. The two stages envisaged under 1 and 3 do not apply to Title III. TITLE III FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS Article 8 1. During the transitional period referred to in Article 7, the Community and Romania shall gradually establish a free trade area based on reciprocal and balanced obligations, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and in conformity with those of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). 2. The combined nomenclature of goods shall be applied to the classification of goods in trade between the two Parties. 3. For each product the basic duty to which the successive reductions set out in this Agreement are to be applied shall be that actually applied erga omnes on the day preceding the entry into force of the Agreement. 4. If, after the entry into force of the Agreement, any tariff reduction is applied on an erga omnes basis, such reduced duties shall replace the basic duties referred to in paragraph 3 as from that date when such reductions are applied. 5. The Community and Romania shall communicate to each other their respective basic duties. CHAPTER I Industrial products Article 9 1. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to products originating in the Community and in Romania listed in Chapters 25 to 97 of the combined nomenclature with the exception of the products listed in Annex I. 2. The provisions of Articles 10 to 14 included do not apply to products mentioned in Articles 16 and 17. Article 10 1. Customs duties on imports applicable in the Community to products originating in Romania other than those listed in Annexes IIa, IIb and III shall be abolished on the entry into force of the Agreement. 2. Customs duties on imports applicable in the Community to products originating in Romania which are listed in Annex IIa shall be progressively abolished in accordance with the following timetable: - on the date of entry into force of the Agreement, each duty shall be reduced to 50 % of the basic duty, - one year after the date of entry into force of the Agreement the remaining duties shall be eliminated. Customs duties on imports applicable in the Community to products originating in Romania listed in Annex IIb shall be progressively reduced, from the date of entry into force of the Agreement, by annual reductions of 20 % of the basic duty so as to arrive at total abolition by the end of the fourth year after the date of entry into force of the Agreement. 3. The products of Romanian origin listed in Annex III shall benefit from a suspension of customs duties on imports within the limits of annual Community tariff quotas or ceilings increasing progressively in accordance with the conditions defined in that Annex so as to arrive at a complete abolition of customs duties on imports of the products concerned at the end of the fifth year at the latest. At the same time, the customs duties on imports to be applied when the quotas have been exhausted or when the levying of customs duties has been reintroduced with respect to products covered by a tariff ceiling, shall be progressively dismantled, from the entry into force of the Agreement by annual reductions of 15 % of the basic duty. By the end of the fifth year, remaining duties shall be abolished. 4. Quantitative restrictions and measures having an effect equivalent to quantitative restrictions on imports to the Community shall be abolished on the date of entry into force of the Agreement with regard to the products originating in Romania. Article 11 1. Customs duties on imports applicable in Romania to products originating in the Community which are listed in Annex IV shall be abolished on the date of entry into force of the Agreement. 2. Customs duties on imports applicable in Romania to products originating in the Community which are listed in Annex V shall be progressively reduced in accordance with the following timetable: - on the date of entry into force of the Agreement, to 80 % of the basic duty, - three years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 40 % of the basic duty, - five years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 0 % of the basic duty. 3. Customs duties on imports applicable in Romania to products originating in the Community which are listed in Annex VI shall be abolished in accordance with the timetable mentioned in that Annex. 4. Customs duties on imports applicable in Romania to products originating in the Community other than those listed in Annexes IV, V and VI shall be progressively reduced according to the following timetable: - three years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 80 % of the basic duty, - five years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 60 % of the basic duty, - six years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 50 % of the basic duty, - seven years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 35 % of the basic duty, - eight years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 20 % of the basic duty, - nine years after the entry into force of the Agreement, to 0 % of the basic duty. 5. The products originating in the Community listed in Annex VII shall benefit from a suspension of customs duties on imports in Romania within the limits of annual quotas which will be increased progressively as foreseen in that Annex. Customs duties on imports applicable to quantities in excess of the abovementioned quotas shall be progressively dismantled according to the timetable mentioned in paragraph 4. 6. Quantitative restrictions on imports into Romania of products originating in the Community shall be abolished upon entry into force of the Agreement. 7. Measures having an effect equivalent to quantitative restrictions on imports into Romania of products originating in the Community shall be abolished upon entry into force of the Agreement, except for those listed in Annex VIII which shall be abolished according to the timetable in that Annex. Article 12 The provisions concerning the abolition of customs duties on imports shall also apply to customs duties of a fiscal nature. Article 13 1. The Community shall abolish in its imports from Romania any charges having an equivalent effect to customs duties on imports upon entry into force of the Agreement. 2. Romania shall abolish in its imports from the Community any charges having an equivalent effect to customs duties on imports upon entry into force of the Agreement, except for the charges of 0,5 % ad valorem for the customs formalities which will be abolished according to the following timetable: - reduction to 0,25 % ad valorem at the end of the third year, - elimination at the latest by the end of the fifth year upon entry into force of the Agreement. Article 14 1. The Community and Romania shall progressively abolish between them at the latest by the end of the fifth year after entry into force of the Agreement any customs duties on exports and charges having equivalent effect. 2. Quantitative restrictions on exports to Romania and any measures having equivalent effect shall be abolished by the Community upon entry into force of the Agreement. 3. Quantitative restrictions on exports to the Community and any measures having equivalent effect shall be abolished by Romania upon entry intro force of the Agreement except for those listed in Annex IX which shall be progressively reduced and shall be eliminated at the latest by the end of the fifth year after the entry into force of the Agreement. Article 15 Each Party declares its readiness to reduce its customs duties in trade with the other Party more rapidly than is provided for in Articles 10 and 11 if its general economic situation and the situation of the economic sector concerned so permit. The Association Council may make recommendations to this effect. Article 16 Protocol 1 lays down the arrangements applicable to the textile products referred to therein. Article 17 Protocol 2 lays down the arrangements applicable to products covered by the Treaty establishing the European Coal and Steel Community. Article 18 1. The provisions of this Chapter do not preclude the retention by the Community of an agricultural component in the duties applicable to products listed in Annex X in respect of products originating in Romania. 2. The provisions of this Chapter do not preclude the introduction of an agricultural component by Romania in the duties applicable to the products listed in Annex X in respect of products originating in the Community. CHAPTER II Agriculture Article 19 1. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to agricultural products originating in the Community and in Romania. 2. The term 'agricultural products` means the products listed in Chapters 1 to 24 of the combined nomenclature and the products listed in Annex I, but excluding fishery products as defined by Regulation (EEC) No 3687/91. Article 20 Protocol 3 lays down the trade arrangements for processed agricultural products which are listed in such protocol. Article 21 1. The Community shall abolish at the date of entry into force of the Agreement the quantitative restrictions on imports of agricultural products originating in Romania maintained by virtue of Council Regulation (EEC) No 3420/83 in the form existing on the date of signature hereof. 2. The agricultural products originating in Romania listed in Annexes XIa and XIb shall benefit, upon the date of entry into force of this Agreement, from the reduction of levies within the limit of Community quotas or from the reduction of customs duties and upon the conditions provided in the same Annexes. 3. Romania shall abolish quantitative restrictions on imports of agricultural products originating in the Community upon entry into force of the Agreement. 4. The Community and Romania shall grant each other the concessions referred to in Annexes XIIa, XIIb and XIII, on a harmonious and reciprocal basis, in accordance with the conditions laid down therein. 5. Taking account of the volume of trade in agricultural products between them, of their particular sensitivity, of the rules of the common agricultural policy of the Community, of the role of agriculture in Romania's economy, and of the consequences of the multilateral trade negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Community and Romania shall examine in the Association Council, product by product and on an orderly and reciprocal basis, the possibilities of granting each other further concessions. 6. Taking account of the need for an increased harmony between the agricultural policies in the Community and Romania, as well as Romania's objective of becoming a member of the Community, both Parties will have regular consultations in the Association Council on the strategy and practical modalities of their respective policies. Article 22 Notwithstanding other provisions of this Agreement, and in particular Article 31, if, given the particular sensitivity of the agricultural markets, imports of products originating in one Party, which are the subject of concessions granted in Article 21, cause serious disturbance to the markets in the other Party, both Parties shall enter into consultations immediately to find an appropriate solution. Pending such a solution, the Party concerned may take the measures it deems necessary. CHAPTER III Fisheries Article 23 The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to fishery products originating in the Community and in Romania, which are covered by Regulation (EEC) No 3687/91 on the common organization of the market in fishery products. Article 24 1. The Community and Romania shall grant each other the concessions referred to in Annexes XIV and XV on a harmonious and reciprocal basis, in accordance with the conditions laid down therein. The provisions of Article 21 (5) shall apply mutatis mutandis to fishery products. 2. The Association Council will examine the possibility of concluding an Agreement on fishery products between the Parties when the necessary conditions so permit. CHAPTER IV Common provisions Article 25 The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to trade in all products, except where otherwise provided herein or in Protocols 1, 2 or 3. Article 26 1. No new customs duties on imports or exports or charges having equivalent effect shall be introduced, nor shall those already applied be increased, in the trade between the Community and Romania from the date of entry into force of the Agreement. 2. No new quantitative restrictions on imports or exports or measures having equivalent effect shall be introduced, nor shall those existing be made more restrictive, in the trade between the Community and Romania from the date of entry into force of the Agreement. 3. Any new customs duties on imports or exports or charges having equivalent effect or increases thereof or any new quantitative restrictions or charges having equivalent effect or increases thereof introduced by Romania after the beginning of the negotiations shall be abolished at the latest at the entry into force of the Agreement. 4. Without prejudice to the concessions granted under Article 21, the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article shall not restrict in any way the pursuance of the respective agricultural policies of Romania and the Community or the taking of any measures under such policies. Article 27 1. The two Parties shall refrain from any measure or practice of an internal fiscal nature establishing, whether directly or indirectly, discrimination between the products of one Party and like products originating in the territory of the other Party. 2. Products exported to the territory of one of the two Parties may not benefit from repayment of internal taxation in excess of the amount of direct or indirect taxation imposed on them. Article 28 1. This Agreement shall not preclude the maintenance or establishment of customs unions, free trade areas or arrangements for frontier trade except in so far as they alter the trade arrangements provided for in this Agreement. 2. Consultations between the Parties shall take place within the Association Council concerning Agreements establishing such customs unions or free trade areas and, where requested, on other major issues related to their respective trade policies with third countries. In particular in the event of a third country acceding to the Community, such consultations shall take place so as to ensure that account can be taken of the mutual interests of the Community and Romania stated in this Agreement. Article 29 Exceptional measures of limited duration which derogate from the provisions of Articles 11 and 26 (1) may be taken by Romania in the form of increased customs duties. These measures may only concern infant industries, or certain sectors undergoing restructuring or facing serious difficulties, particularly where these difficulties produce important social problems. Customs duties on imports applicable in Romania to products originating in the Community introduced by these measures may not exceed 25 % ad valorem and shall maintain an element of preference for products originating in the Community. The total value of imports of the products which are subject to these measures may not exceed 15 % of total imports from the Community of industrial products as defined in Chapter I, during the last year for which statistics are available. These measures shall be applied for a period not exceeding five years, unless a longer duration is authorized by the Association Council. They shall cease to apply at the latest at the expiration of the transitional period. No such measures can be introduced in respect of a product if more than three years have elapsed since the elimination of all duties and quantitative restrictions or charges or measures having an equivalent effect concerning that product. Romania shall inform the Association Council of any exceptional measures it intends to take and, at the request of the Community, consultations shall be held in the Association Council on such measures and the sectors to which they apply before they are applied. When taking such measures, Romania shall provide the Association Council with a schedule for the elimination of the customs duties introduced under this Article. This schedule shall provide for a phasing out of these duties starting at the latest two years after their introduction at equal annual rates. The Association Council may decide on a different schedule. Article 30 If one of the Parties finds that dumping is taking place in trade with the other Party within the meaning of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, it may take appropriate measures against this practice in accordance with the Agreement relating to the application of Article VI of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, with related internal legislation and with the conditions and procedures laid down in Article 34. Article 31 Where any product is being imported in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause, or threaten to cause: - serious injury to domestic producers of like or directly competitive products in the territory of one of the Parties, or - serious disturbances in any sector of the economy or difficulties which could bring about serious deterioration in the economic situation of a region, the Community or Romania, whichever is concerned, may take appropriate measures under the conditions and in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 34. Article 32 Where compliance with the provisions of Articles 14 and 26 leads to: (i) re-export towards a third country against which the exporting Party maintains, for the product concerned, quantitative export restrictions, export duties or measures having equivalent effect; or (ii) a serious shortage, or threat thereof, of a product essential to the exporting Party, and where the situations above referred to give rise, or are likely to give rise to major difficulties for the exporting Party, that Party may take appropriate measures under the conditions and in accordance with the procedures laid down in Article 34. The measures shall be non-discriminatory and be eliminated when conditions no longer justify their maintenance. Article 33 The Member States and Romania shall progressively adjust any State monopolies of a commercial character so as to ensure that, by the end of the fifth year following the entry into force of this Agreement, no discrimination regarding the conditions under which goods are procured and marketed exists between nationals of the Member States and of Romania. The Association Council will be informed about the measures adopted to implement this objective. Article 34 1. In the event of the Community or Romania subjecting imports of products liable to give rise to the difficulties referred to in Article 31 to an administrative procedure having as its purpose the rapid provision of information on the trend of trade flows, it shall inform the other Party. 2. In the cases specified in Articles 30, 31 and 32, before taking the measures provided for therein or, in cases to which paragraph 3 (d) applies, as soon as possible, the Community or Romania as the case may be shall supply the Association Council with all relevant information, with a view to seeking a solution acceptable to the two Parties. In the selection of measures, priority must be given to those which least disturb the functioning of this Agreement. The safeguard measures shall be notified immediately to the Association Council and shall be the subject of periodic consultations within that body, particularly with a view to establishing a timetable for their abolition as soon as circumstances permit. 3. For the implementation of paragraph 2, the following provisions shall apply: (a) as regards Article 31, the difficulties arising from the situation referred to in that Article shall be referred for examination to the Association Council, which may take any decision needed to put an end to such difficulties. If the Association Council or the exporting Party has not taken a decision putting an end to the difficulties or no other satisfactory solution has been reached within 30 days of the matter being referred, the importing Party may adopt the appropriate measures to remedy the problem. These measures must not exceed the scope of what is necessary to remedy the difficulties which have arisen; (b) as regards Article 30, the Association Council shall be informed of the dumping case as soon as the authorities of the importing Party have initiated an investigation. When no end has been put to the dumping or no other satisfactory solution has been reached within 30 days of the matter being referred to the Association Council, the importing Party may adopt the appropriate measures; (c) as regards Article 32, the difficulties arising from the situations referred to in that Article shall be referred for examination to the Association Council. The Association Council may take any decision needed to put an end to the difficulties. If it has not taken such a decision within 30 days of the matter being referred to it, the exporting Party may apply appropriate measures on the exportation of the product concerned; (d) where exceptional circumstances requiring immediate action make prior information or examination, as the case may be, impossible, the Community or Romania whichever is concerned may, in the situations specified in Articles 30, 31 and 32, apply forthwith the precautionary and provisional measures strictly necessary to deal with the situation, and the Association Council will be informed immediately. Article 35 Protocol 4 lays down rules of origin for the application of tariff preferences foreseen in this Agreement. Article 36 This Agreement shall not preclude prohibitions or restrictions on imports, exports or goods in transit justified on grounds of public morality, public policy or public security; the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants; the protection of natural resources; the protection of national treasures of artistic, historic or archaeological value or the protection of intellectual, industrial and commercial property or rules relating to gold and silver. Such prohibitions or restrictions shall not, however, constitute a means of arbitrary discrimination or a disguised restriction on trade between the Parties. Article 37 Protocol 5 lays down the specific provisions to apply to trade between Romania of the one part and Spain and Portugal of the other part. TITLE IV MOVEMENT OF WORKERS, ESTABLISHMENT, SUPPLY OF SERVICES CHAPTER I Movement of workers Article 38 1. Subject to the conditions and modalities applicable in each Member State: - the treatment accorded to workers of Romanian nationality, legally employed in the territory of a Member State shall be free from any discrimination based on nationality, as regards working conditions, remuneration or dismissal, as compared to its own nationals, - the legally resident spouse and children of a worker legally employed in the territory of a Member State, with the exception of seasonal workers and of workers coming under bilateral agreements in the sense of Article 42, unless otherwise provided by such agreements, shall have access to the labour market of that Member State, during the period of that worker's authorized stay of employment. 2. Romania shall, subject to the conditions and modalities applicable in that country, accord the treatment referred to in paragraph 1 to workers who are nationals of a Member State and are legally employed in its territory as well as to their spouse and children who are legally resident in the said territory. Article 39 1. With a view to coordinating social security systems for workers of Romanian nationality, legally employed in the territory of a Member State and for the members of their family, legally resident there, and subject to the conditions and modalities applicable in each Member State: - all periods of insurance, employment or residence completed by such workers in the various Member States shall be added together for the purpose of pensions and annuities in respect of old age, invalidity and death and for the purpose of medical care for such workers and such family members, - any pensions or annuities in respect of old age, death, industrial accident or occupational disease, or of invalidity resulting therefrom, with the exception of non-contributory benefits, shall be freely transferable at the rate applied by virtue of the law the debtor Member State or States, - the workers in question shall receive family allowance for the members of their family as defined above. 2. Romania shall accord to workers who are nationals of a Member State and legally employed in its territory, and to members of their families legally resident there, treatment similar to that specified in the second and third indents of paragraph 1. Article 40 1. The Association Council shall by decision adopt the appropriate provisions to implement the objective set out in Article 39. 2. The Association Council shall by decision adopt detailed rules for administrative cooperation providing the necessary management and control guarantees for the application of the provisions referred to in paragraph 1. Article 41 The provisions adopted by the Association Council in accordance with Article 40 shall not affect any rights or obligations arising from bilateral agreements linking Romania and the Member States where those agreements provide for more favourable treatment of nationals of Romania or of the Member States. Article 42 1. Taking into account the labour market situation in the Member State, subject to its legislation and to the respect of rules in force in that Member State in the area of mobility of workers: - the existing facilities for access to employment for Romanian workers accorded by Member States under bilateral agreements ought to be preserved and if possible improved, - the other Member States shall consider favourably the possibility of concluding similar agreements. 2. The Association Council shall examine granting other improvements including facilities of access for professional training, in conformity with rules and procedures in force in the Member States, and taking account of the labour market situation on the Member States and in the Community. Article 43 During the second stage referred to in Article 7, or earlier if so decided, the Association Council shall examine further ways of improving the movement of workers, taking into account inter alia the social and economic situation and requirements in Romania and the employment situation in the Community. The Association Council shall make recommendations to such end. Article 44 In the interest of facilitating the restructuring of labour resources resulting from the economic restructuring in Romania the Community shall provide technical assistance for the establishment of a suitable social security system in Romania as set ourt in Article 89. CHAPTER II Establishment Article 45 1. Each Member State shall grant, from entry into force of the Agreement, for the establishment of Romanian companies and nationals and for the operation of Romanian companies and nationals established in its territory, a treatment no less favourable than that accorded to its own companies and nationals, save for the areas described in Annex XVI. 2. Without prejudice to paragraph 3, Romania shall grant, from entry into force of the Agreement, for the establishment of Community companies and nationals and for the operation of Community companies and nationals established in its territory, a treatment no less favourable than that accorded to its own companies and nationals save for the areas described in Annex XVII. Should the existing laws and regulations not grant such treatment of Community companies and nationals for certain economic activities in Romania upon entry into force of this Agreement, Romania shall amend such laws and regulations as to ensure such treatment at the latest at the end of the fifth year following the date of entry into force of this Agreement. 3. For the areas and matters described in Annex XVIII, except for banking activities as referred to in Law No 33 of 1991, Romania shall grant gradually and at the latest by the end of the transitional period referred to in Article 7, a treatment no less favourable than that accorded to its own nationals and companies for the establishment of Community companies and nationals. As regards the abovementioned banking activities, national treatment shall be granted at the latest by the end of the fifth year following the entry into force of this Agreement. 4. Romania shall, during the transitional periods referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 not adopt any new regulations or measures which introduce discrimination as regards to establisment and operations of Community companies and nationals in its territory in comparison to its own companies and nationals. 5. For the purposes of this Agreement: (a) establishment shall mean (i) as regards nationals, the right to take up and pursue economic activities as self-employed persons and to set up and manage undertakings, in particular companies, which they effectively control. Self-employment and business undertakings by nationals shall not extend to seeking or taking employment in the labour market or confer a right of access to the labour market of another Party. The provisions of this Chapter do not apply to those who are not exclusively self-employed; (ii) as regards companies, the right to take up and pursue economic activities by means of the setting up and management of subsidiaries, branches and agencies; (b) subsidiary of a company shall mean a company which is effectively controlled by the first company; (c) economic activities shall in particular include activities of an industrial character, activities of a commercial character, activities of craftsmen and activities of the professions. 6. The Association Council shall examine regularly the possibility of accelerating the granting of national treatment in the sectors referred to in Annex XVIII and the inclusion of areas and matters listed in Annexes XVI and XVII within the scope of application of the provisions of paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 of this Article. Amendments may be made to these Annexes by decision of the Association Council. Following the expiration of the transitional periods referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3, the Association Council may exceptionally, upon request by Romania, and if the necessity arises, decide to prolong the duration of those transitional periods for certain areas or matters for a limited period of time. 7. Notwithstanding the provisons of this Article, Community companies established in the territory of Romania shall have, from entry into force of the Agreement, the right to acquire, use, rent and sell real property, and as regards public property, land and forestry, the right to lease, where these are directly necessary for the conduct of the economic activities for which they are established. This right does not include establishment for the purpose of dealing and agency in the area of raeal estate and natural resources. Romania shall grant these rights to branches and agencies established in Romania of Community companies at the latest by the end of the first five years following the date of entry into force of the Agreement. Romania shall grant these rights to Community nationals established as self-employed persons in Romania at the latest by the end of the transitional period referred to in Article 7. Article 46 1. Subject to the provisions of Article 45 with the exception of financial services described in Annex XVIII, each Party may regulate the establishment and operation of companies and nationals on its territory, in so far as these regulations do not discriminate against companies and nationals of the other Party in comparison to its own companies and nationals. 2. In respect of financial services, described in Annex XVIII, this Agreement does not prejudice the right of the Parties to adopt measures necessary for the conduct of the Party's monetary policy, or for prudential grounds in order to ensure the protection of investors, depositors, policy holders, or persons to whom a fiduciary duty is owed, or to ensure the integrity and stability of the financial system. These measures shall not discriminate on grounds of nationality against companies and nationals of the other Party in comparison to its own companies and nationals. Article 47 In order to make it easier for Community nationals and Romanian nationals to take up and pursue regulated professional activities in Romania and the Community respectively, the Association Council shall examine which steps are necessary to be taken to provide for the mutual recognition of qualifications. It may take all necessary measures to that end. Article 48 The provisions of Article 46 do not preclude the application by a Party of particular rules concerning the establishment and operation in its territory of branches and agencies of companies of another Party not incorporated in the territory of the first Party, which are justified by legal or technical differences between such branches and agencies as compared to branches and agencies of companies incorporated in its territory, or, as regards financial services, for prudential reasons. The difference in treatment shall not go beyond what is strictly necessary as a result of such legal or technical differences, or, as regards financial services, described in Annex XVIII, for prudential reasons. Article 49 1. A 'Community company` and a 'Romanian company` respectively shall, for the purpose of this Agreement, mean a company or a firm set up in accordance with the laws of a Member State or of Romania respectively and having its registered office, central administration, or principal place of business in the territory of the Community or Romania respectively. However, should the company or firm, set up in accordance with the laws of a Member State or of Romania respectively, have only its registered office in the territory of the Community or Romania respectively, its operations must possess a real and continuous link with the economy of one of the Member States or Romania respectively. 2. With regard to international maritime transport, shall also be beneficiaries of the provisions of this Chapter and Chapter III of this Title, a national or a shipping company of the Member States or of Romania, respectively established outside the Community or Romania respectively and controlled by nationals of a Member State, or Romanian nationals respectively, if their vessels are registered in that Member State or in Romania respectively in accordance with their respective legislations. 3. A Community and a Romanian national respectively shall, for the purpose of this Agreement, mean a natural person who is a national of one of the Member States or of Romania respectively. 4. The provisions of this Agreement shall not prejudice the application by each Party of any measure necessary to prevent the circumvention of its measures concerning third country access to its market, through the provisions of this Agreement. Article 50 For the purpose of this Agreement 'financial services` shall mean those activities described in Annex XVIII. The Association Council may extend or modify the scope of Annex XVIII. Article 51 During the first five years following the date of entry into force of the Agreement, Romania may introduce measures which derogate from the provisions of this Chapter as regards the establishment of Community companies and nationals if certain industries: - are undergoing restructuring, or - are facing serious difficulties, particularly where these entail serious social problems in Romania, or - face the elimination or a drastic reduction of the total market share held by Romanian companies or nationals in a given sector or industry in Romania, or - are newly emerging industries in Romania. Such measures: (i) shall cease to apply at the latest two years after the expiration of the fifth year following the date of entry into force of this Agreement; and (ii) shall be reasonable and necessary in order to remedy the situation; and (iii) shall only relate to establishments in Romania to be created after the entry into force of such measures and shall not introduce discrimination concerning the operations of Community companies or nationals already established in Romania at the time of introduction of a given measure compared to Romanian companies or nationals. The Association Council may exceptionally, upon request by Romania, and if the necessity arises, decide to prolong the period referred to in indent (i) above for a given sector for a limited period of time not exceeding the duration of the transition period referred to in Article 7. While devising and applying such measures, Romania shall grant whenever possible to Community companies and nationals a preferential treatment, and in no case a treatment less favourable than that accorded to companies or nationals from any third country. Prior to the introduction of these measures, Romania shall consult the Association Council and shall not put them into effect before a one month period following the notification to the Association Council of the concrete measures to be introduced by Romania, except where the threat of irreparable damage requires the taking of urgent measures in which case Romania shall consult the Association Council immediately after their introduction. Upon the expiration of the fifth year following the entry into force of the Agreement, Romania may introduce such measures only with the authorization of the Association Council and under conditions determined by the latter. Article 52 1. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to air transport services, inland-waterways transport services and maritime cabotage transport services. 2. The Association Council may make recommendations for improving establishment and operations in the areas covered by paragraph 1. Article 53 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter I of this Title, the beneficiaries of the rights of establishment granted by Romania and the Community respectively shall be entitled to employ, or have employed by one of their subsidiaries, in accordance with the legislation in force in the host country of establishment, in the territory of Romania and the Community respectively, employees who are nationals of Community Member States and Romania respectively, provided that such employees are key personnel as defined in paragraph 2, and that they are employed exclusively by such beneficiaries or their subsidiaries. The residence and work permits of such employees shall only cover the period of such employment. 2. Key personnel of the beneficiaries of the rights of establishment herein referred to as 'organization` are: (a) senior employees of an organization who primarily direct the management of the organization, receiving general supervision or direction principally from the board of directors or shareholders of the business, including: - directing the organization or a department or sub-division of the organization, - supervising and controlling the work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees, - having the authority personally to engage and dismiss or recommend engaging, dismissing or other personnel actions; (b) persons employed by an organization who possess high or uncommon: - qualifications referring to a type of work or trade requiring specific technical knowledge, - knowledge essential to the organization's service, research equipment, techniques or management. These may include, but are not limited to, members of accredited professions. Each such employee must have been employed by the organization concerned for at least one year preceding the detachment by the organization. Article 54 1. The provisions of this Chapter shall be applied subject to limitations justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health. 2. They shall not apply to acti …