News: press release

Central America: Commission holds second round of negotiations for an Association Agreement

The European Commission, negotiating on behalf of the EU, and Central America will meet in Brussels from 25 to 29 February 2008 for a second round of negotiations in view of an Association Agreement, including a free trade area between the EU and Central America.

At the eve of these negotiations Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner said: “This round of negotiations is essential as we are now entering the substance of the future Association Agreement. This Agreement will form the basis of a strong alliance between the EU and Central America and will make us political partners jointly defending our interests in multilateral arenas and reinforcing our economic ties. It confirms once more our long-term commitment to a stronger association, both politically and economically, based on a reinforced process of regional integration."

A first round took place in Costa Rica last October and four other rounds are envisaged this year. The objective is to conclude, if possible by 2009, a comprehensive Agreement, which would enhance the political dialogue between both regions, intensify the cooperation in a vast variety of areas and facilitate bi-regional trade and investments. About 300 delegates and civil society actors from Central America will be traveling to Brussels.

The EU chief negotiator, João Aguiar Machado, Deputy Director General in the Commission External Relations DG, and the spokesperson for Central America, Costa Rica Ambassador Roberto Echandi, will hold a VIP corner to brief on the round of negotiations on Friday 29 February 2008 at XXhXX in the Berlaymont building.