European Union – Australia Partnership Framework
CHAPEAU:
The European Union and Australia
- recognising their shared values and close historical, political, economic and cultural ties;
- having regard in particular to their shared commitment to the respect for and promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law which underpins their internal and external policies;
- acknowledging the challenges of globalisation and recognising the need for heightened effective international cooperation in addressing them in an increasingly interdependent world;
- committing to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and to strengthening the role of the UN;
- supporting international peace and security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts and promoting stability, through counter-terrorism, the non-proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery, and controls on the international transfer of conventional weapons, including the illicit trafficking and excessive and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition;
- reaffirming their commitment to the development of a healthy and prosperous world economy, to open market principles, the improvement of market access in accordance with the aims and principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the strengthening of the multilateral trading system;
- reaffirming their commitment to promoting openness of trade in agricultural, food and fisheries products in support of efforts to increase international food security;
- recognising the importance of two-way trade and investment flows between Australia and the EU and the value of the multilateral trading system;
- reaffirming their commitment to support developing countries in their pursuit of sustainable development and to encourage democracy, good governance and the rule of law by improving development assistance, broadening market access and encouraging the efficient use of foreign assistance and the sustainable use of national resources;
- noting the growing strategic importance of the Asia and Pacific regions and recognising the mutual interest of both Australia and the European Union in greater engagement with these regions and contributing to strengthening institutions there;
- underlining the importance of prompt and effective action to tackle climate change by working together to implement the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol, and to forge a comprehensive post 2012 global climate change outcome;
- recognising the impact climate change may have on international security in the longer term and the additional stress it may pose in already fragile or conflict prone areas;
- recognising international efforts, in the context of increasing global competition for non-renewable energy resources, towards enhancing energy security, improving the competitiveness and transparency of global energy markets as well as a shared interest between the EU and Australia in ensuring stable, competitive and sustainable supplies of energy and also recognising the relationship of energy production and consumption to the environment;
- recognising that international cooperation in science, technology, innovation and education is fundamental to promoting economic prosperity and welfare in globalising, knowledge-based economies, and a shared interest in exploring the potential for cooperation on research programs in Australia and the EU on issues of a global dimension;
- determined to foster mutual knowledge and understanding between their peoples and of their cultures;
- determined to improve the quality of human resources in both the EU and Australia, by facilitating the acquisition of skills required to meet the challenges of the global knowledge-based economy;
- noting the progress made in developing their long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship through the adoption of the Joint Declaration on Relations between the European Union and Australia of 26 June 1997 and implementation of the 2003 Agenda for Cooperation;
- have decided to broaden and deepen the overall framework
of the European Union-Australia Partnership through a new
Framework supporting the following common goals:
- strengthening bilateral and multilateral dialogue and cooperation in support of sharedforeign policy and global securityinterests;
- promoting and supporting the multilateral rules-based trading system, and consolidating and expanding the bilateral trade and investmentrelationship;
- enhancing regional and bilateral cooperation and coordination in relation to the Asia and Pacific regions;
- seeking opportunities to cooperate on climate change, environment, energy security, fisheries and forestry;
- strengthening cooperation in science, research, technology and innovation, education and culture and to facilitate the movement of people.
Review mechanism
At the request of either party, this EU-Australia Partnership Framework may be reviewed or modified by mutual consent. Any modification should be done in writing.
The implementation of the Action Plan of the Australia-EU Partnership Framework will be reviewed on a regular basis and reported to the EU-Australia Ministerial TROIKA consultations.
Framework for dialogue and consultations
The European Union and Australia welcome annual bilateral Ministerial Troika consultations. The European Union and Australia also confirm the value of the annual Senior Officials meetings, alternating flexibly between Brussels and Canberra, and of holding regular Ministerial-level consultations, alternating between Brussels and Australia.Opportunities will be sought for further dialogue through high-level visits and in the margins of international meetings. The European Union and Australia also note the regular exchanges between the European Parliament and the Australian Parliament.
Other dialogues and exchanges between Australia and the European Union include:
- Experts Troika meetings on Asia (COASI Troika)
- Informal Security Talks
- Agricultural Trade and Marketing Experts Group (ATMEG)
- Trade Policy Dialogue
- Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee
- Senior Officials’ Dialogue on Migration and Asylum
- High Level Dialogue on the Environment
- Dialogue on the Pacific with EU Heads of Delegation
OBJECTIVE I: STRENGTHEN BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL DIALOGUE AND COOPERATION IN SUPPORT OF SHARED FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY INTERESTS.
RATIONALE
Australia and the EU share a common interest in promoting world-wide respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. Both parties are fully committed to the effective multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations (UN). Both seek to improve the protection of populations against genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. Australia and the EU strongly support the effective functioning of the International Criminal Court and the universality of the Rome Statute. Both have as high foreign and security policy priorities the promotion of international peace and stability, including through cooperation in conflict prevention, contributions to post-conflict stabilisation, and by promoting greater international cooperation in counter-terrorism and the non proliferation of nuclear, chemical, biological and conventional weapons and their means of delivery, including the illicit trafficking and excessive and destabilising accumulation of SALW and their ammunitions.
LONG/MEDIUM-TERM OBJECTIVES
- Improve international management of global challenges through the development of and cooperation in effective international and regional institutions.
- Exchange views on regional architecture for the Asia and Pacific regions in which all the key regional players can debate the region’s strategic, security, economic and political challenges and opportunities.
- Develop a better mutual understanding of the radicalisation process and the threats posed by extremism.
- Work towards a substantive outcome of the current Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Process.
- Work cooperatively with Aviation Security partners, in both formal and informal fora, to influence international aviation security policies and security standards.
- Work cooperatively in the fields of the Border Management Systems, particularly in relation to the development of electronic traveller registration and more generally in relation to immigration management.
AREAS OF ON-GOING COLLABORATION
- Cooperate to reinforce the international role of the United Nations as a guarantor of international peace and security.
- Support each other's initiatives in the UN where appropriate or pursue joint initiatives in the UN. Explore opportunities for greater collaboration on UN General Assembly resolutions.
- Intensify coordination in UN forums to strengthen the UN and discuss priorities in order to identify issues for concrete, concerted action including to advance reforms of the UN system agreed upon at the World Summit 2005.
- Provide the International Criminal Court with effective cooperation and assistance to help reinforce the Court’s credibility and its ability to pursue the judicial function for which it was created. Promote the universal ratification of the Rome Statute.
- Continue on-going information sharing on the relevant foreign policy and security issues, including all security and strategic impacts which may arise from climate change.
- Continue to exchange information, and seek further opportunities to raise awareness and promote human rights in third countries.
- Identify shared security interests between Australia and the EU including in the field of European Security and Defence Policy.
- Enhance ongoing cooperation in all relevant international fora on non-proliferation and disarmament, including on issues related toconventional weapons and the illicit trafficking and excessive and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and their ammunition.
- Enhance dialogue and understanding within the international community of key issues relating to non-proliferation, including regional questions such as the Iranian and DPRK nuclear issues.
- Australia, the EU and Member States to continue to support the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Comprehensive Strategic Political Military Plan to provide security for the people of Afghanistan.
- Continue cooperation, including through the UNSG’s good offices mission, to contribute to a peaceful transition towards legitimate government in Burma/Myanmar, including support to reduce the isolation of the population and for UN-led initiatives regarding the pre-election process.
- Cooperate in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) to strengthen regional preventive diplomacy capabilities and to encourage practical measures for enhancing regional security including in areas of counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
- Maintain high level bilateral consultation on the global terrorist threat, including in regard to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats and discuss ways to improve the quality and exchange of data on persons and entities involved in the commission of terrorist acts and/or the financing of terrorism.
- Continue support for the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) and explore other opportunities for counter-terrorism cooperation in the Asia and Pacific regions.
- Strengthen dialogue and cooperation on measures to enhance
border security and the security of global travel while
facilitating the movement of genuine travellers, acknowledging
obligations under the 1951 Refugees Convention,and to assist in
the identification and/or prevention of the movement of
terrorists, transnational criminals, people smugglers and
people traffickers, including by means of:
- data accessing arrangements, particularly concerning travel documents with embedded data chips;
- electronic registration of overseas visitors to EU member countries who are not required to have a visa and other border screening processes and support systems
- developments in biometrics, includingthrough the Inter-Governmental Consultations on Asylum, Refugee and Migration Policies Technology Working Group. Australia will also provide regular updates on the activities of the Four Country Conference Biometrics and Technology Sub-Group and explore potential opportunities for collaboration between the Sub-Group and the EU;
- the protection of personal data in accordance with national legal authorities.
- Enhancing cooperation between Australia and the EU to combat terrorism and transnational crime through implementation of the Australia-EU PNR Agreement.
- Strengthen cooperation and enhance information exchange between Australian and EU transport security agencies on border security screening arrangements, including technical cooperation in the aviation security environment.
- Continue cooperation and enhance information exchange between Australian law enforcement agencies and the European Police Office (Europol) under the Agreement on Operational and Strategic Cooperation between Australia and Europol.
- Through the administrative arrangement between emergency management bodies of Australia and the European Union develop practical cooperation and information exchange on research, training, early warning systems and adaptation to climate change as well as on disaster response activities where appropriate.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
ACTION 1: Jointly support expansion of counter-terrorist activities through capacity building projects at the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC).
Desired Outcome: Further cooperation between JCLEC and EU enforcement agencies.
ACTION 2: Support the implementation of the recommendations of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) review process (endorsed at the 24 July 2008 ARF Ministerial)
Desired Outcome: Develop the ARF’s role in preventive diplomacy and improve ARF working methods.
ACTION 3: Jointly encourage support among the wider United Nations (UN) community for implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle, as endorsed by the UN, including through the work of UN Special Advisors.
Desired Outcome: Advance the development and implementation of the R2P principle to protect populations at risk from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.
ACTION 4: Explore opportunities to collaborate with the Pacific regional office of the UN Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights in its efforts to promote and protect human rights in the region.
Desired outcome: Greater appreciation and awareness of human rights with a view to more countries in the Pacific becoming parties to core UN human rights conventions.
ACTION 5: Co-organise seminars and activities and issue demarches to promote the International Criminal Court in the South East Asia/Pacific region.
Desired Outcome: More countries in the Asia Pacific become parties to the Rome Statute.
ACTION 6:Jointly support the UNSG's good offices mission regarding Burma/Myanmar.
Desired Outcome: A more inclusive political process in the run-up to the 2010 elections in Burma/Myanmar.
ACTION 7: Establish and develop dialogue and exchange information and share research-based analysis on extremist threats to integration and social cohesion and how to counter them, including participation in the 2008 International Metropolis Conference and margin meetings in London and The Hague.
Desired Outcome: A better mutual understanding of the radicalisation process and the threats posed by extremism.
ACTION 8: Support entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), including through common demarches to Annex 2 states that are still to sign and/or ratify the treaty.
Desired Outcome: Increase the number of countries in the Asia Pacific that are parties to the CTBT.
ACTION 9:Support full implementation of UNSCR 1540 and 1540 Committee efforts in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands states.
Desired Outcome: Effective implementation of all the provisions of UNSCR 1540 in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands states.
ACTION 10: Commence negotiations on an agreement on the security of classified information with a view to early conclusion.
Desired Outcome: A treaty-level agreement ensuring the secure handling and storage of classified material shared between Australia and the European Union.
ACTION 11: Negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding for technical cooperation in aviation security.
Desired Outcome: Promote and develop technical cooperation in the field of civil aviation security in order to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
ACTION 12:Support continued development of an Arms Trade Treaty in UN and other fora.
Desired Outcome: A treaty with the widest possible international support and that establishes common standards for the international arms trade.
OBJECTIVE II: TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE MULTILATERAL RULES-BASED TRADING SYSTEM, AND CONSOLIDATE AND EXPAND THE BILATERAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT RELATIONSHIP.
RATIONALE
Trade and investments between the European Union and Australia are important elements of the Australia-EU relationship. We share the same basic values in terms of trade liberalisation and the positive effects it provides for the world trading system and for the world economy including developing countries. We consider that our trade interests are best pursued through a rules-based multilateral trading system - the World Trade Organization. We are also conscious that the multilateral trading system can be complemented on a bilateral basis by ‘WTO plus’ Free Trade Agreements.
AREAS OF ON-GOING COLLABORATION
- Build on our shared interests to continue and
deepen our close cooperation on the multilateral trading
system
- work towards an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive outcome of the WTO Doha Round as soon as possible, including through regular advocacy with other key WTO Members;
- regular dialogue on other trade policy issues of mutual interest/concern that may be treated within a multilateral framework.
- Create an optimum environment for trade and
investment between Australia and the European Union including through the Trade Policy Dialogue and the
Agricultural Trade and Marketing Experts’ Group
(ATMEG)
- continue to exchange information on policy approaches to free trade agreements (FTAs) and on our respective FTA agendas.
- Explore mechanisms for enhancing the bilateral trade and investment relationship including the need for bilateral agreements, understandings and/or crisis management tools in all fields, including agriculture and SPS.
- Ensure the best possible business relations via involvement of the business communities.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
ACTION 1. Establish a dialogue on sanitary and phytosanitary issues.
Desired outcome: A forum for bilateral policy dialogue and cooperation on animal and plant health and food safety issues of operational and strategic importance.
ACTION 2. Establish a dialogue on animal welfare issues.
Desired outcome: A regular forum for bilateral dialogue and cooperation on animal welfare issues of operational and strategic importance.
ACTION 3. Commence discussions on an agreement or understanding for the mutual recognition of the EU’s and Australia’s food certification systems.
Desired outcome: To make accreditation and reviews of Australian and EU food safety mechanisms (initially encompassing inspection, certification and traceability systems) more effective, efficient and simple.
ACTION 4. Negotiate a comprehensive air services agreement between the EU and Australia.
Desired outcome:To strengthen EU-Australia aviation relations, including by enhancing market access and investment opportunities; and to ensure wider regulatory cooperation in aviation safety and security. A comprehensive air services agreement might provide a practical framework for cooperation on aviation environment issues, including with regard to aviation emissions.
ACTION 5. Conclude revisions to the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Relation to Conformity Assessment, Certificates and Markings between Australia and the European Community.
Desired outcome: The MRA will allow for assessment of the regulatory compliance of certain products of the Parties to take place in either of the Parties. The revisions to the MRA will cover the medical devices and medical products sectors.
ACTION 6. Endeavour to sign the Wine Agreement in 2008 and complete all necessary implementation measures in 2009.
Desired outcome: Bring into force the most recent wine agreement with the resulting mutual benefits for the EU and Australian wine sectors.
OBJECTIVE III: ENHANCE BILATERAL AND REGIONAL COOPERATION AND COORDINATION BETWEEN AUSTRALIA AND THE EU IN RELATION TO THE ASIA AND PACIFIC REGIONS
RATIONALE
Australia and the EU agree to foster regional integration and support sustainable development in the Asia and Pacific regions through closer coordination and consultation. In so doing, Australia and the EU agree to work with partners to improve governance, meet the challenges of climate change and sustainable management of resources, increase investment in economic infrastructure, achieve better outcomes in health and education, support Public Sector Reform and Security Sector Reform, and advance development outcomes with a particular emphasis on meeting Millennium Development Goals. Both Australia and the EU seek to advance the objectives of the Port Moresby Declaration and the EU Strategy for the Pacific and the EU South-East Asia Strategy and the Guidelines on the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy in East Asia through effective and close cooperation together and with regional partners. Both Australia and the EU will continue to promote inter-faith and inter-civilisation dialogue.
LONG/MEDIUM TERM OBJECTIVES
- Promote regional security and stability, inter alia via support to good governance and nation-building in the region.
- Support sustainable development of the Asia and Pacific regions and reducing their vulnerability to natural disasters, fossil fuel dependence and climate change.
- Enhance aid effectiveness through development of common aid implementation modalities and division of labour as agreed in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Accra Agenda for Action.
- Work cooperatively, with members of the Six Party Talks process, towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
- Coordinate with respect to approaches to the provision of humanitarian and development assistance to the DPRK (North Korea).
- Support China’s emergence as a successful and responsible member of the international community.
- Exchange information on human rights issues in Asia and in the Pacific.
- Enhance measures to encourage responsible aid practices in the Asia Pacific in line with OECD DAC protocols, including among emerging donors.
- Welcome improved cross-Strait relations and urge the peaceful resolution of this issue through negotiation and cooperation.
AREAS OF ON-GOING COLLABORATION
- Strengthen regional institutional architecture including
by:
- supporting regional institutions by assisting them in establishing effective decision-making processes that are compatible with good governance;
- carrying out dialogue on widening and deepening regional integration.
- Regular and comprehensive dialogue on developments in the Asia and Pacific regions, including through the COASI Dialogue and in multilateral fora such as the ASEAN Regional Forum PMC, the Pacific Island Forum post forum dialogue(PIF) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
- Enhance bilateral coordination in promoting good governance
and development and combating corruption in the Asia and
Pacific regions by:
- coordinating approaches to advocate for, and support, the long term stabilisation and reconciliation process in Fiji;
- further developing long-term Australia-EU collaboration in development and governance in East Timor/Timor Leste, including rural development, health and the World Bank-led public finance management capacity building project and through improving the competence and capacity of central and provincial administration and non-state actors;
- promoting harmonisation, including with multilaterals, in the rural development and provincial governance sectors in Solomon Islands including through harmonising efforts aimed at improving the competence and capacity of central and provincial administration and non-state actors;
- in Lao PDR, engaging, along with other donors, to support the Public Financial Management Strengthening Program and deepen cooperation in education, trade, investment reform activities and public financial management;
- supporting the implementation of Papua New Guinea's national development plans, including its medium and long-term development strategies.
- Cooperate to promote compatibility between cross border processes and transit systems in the South East Asian region, including on through the Asian Development Bank-led implementation of the Cross Border Transport Agreement and associated transit system in the Greater Mekong Subregion and the ASEAN-led implementation of a South East Asian transit system.
- Support for a harmonised approach to education
- in Lao PDR bydeveloping the Education Sector Development Framework as part of the multi-donor Technical Advisory team;
- in Indonesia through continuing and building the current productive collaboration.
-
Explore opportunities for further collaboration on trade-related assistance, including in
- Vietnam, through the Beyond WTO program
- Lao PDR, by working closely, in conjunction with the World Bank, to progress implementation of activities under the Trade Development Facility.
- Contribute to improving the humanitarian situation for the people of Burma/ Myanmar, by working together in areas such as health and basic education and preparations for the multi-donor livelihoods fund.
- Support for a comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategy and joint implementation plan for the Pacific Region.
- Promote sustainable management and use of forestry and
fisheries resources, including in:
- Papua New Guinea, in the spirit of the PNG Commitment on Aid Effectiveness and supporting/utilising the Papua New Guinea Development Partners forum on climate change, by ensuring EU-Australia coordination and support for national efforts in sustainable forest management;
- Solomon Islands, by enhancing coordination on activities in the forestry sector, including by providing assistance to land reform and EU–Australia coordination and support for national efforts in sustainable forest management;
- Indonesia, by continuing EU-Australia coordination and support for national efforts in sustainable forest management and development of certification;
- ensuring EU-Australia cooperation and support to strengthen the East Asia and Pacific Forest Law Enforcement and Governance process;
- ensuring EU-Australia collaboration on measures to limit fishing capacity in the western and central Pacific Ocean to levels that provide for the long-term sustainable use of tuna resources, thereby resulting in opportunities for economic development and greater food security for Pacific Island Countries.
- Collaboration on energy programs that assist in the development of sustainable and resilient energy sectors, particularly energy efficiency, energy sector governance and renewable energy sources; support the participation of oil, gas and mining producer countries in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
- Work closely with the donor community, including through the Pacific Private Sector Development Donor Group (European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank/IFC and New Zealand), to coordinate private sector development and trade liberalisation and facilitation in the Pacific, particularly the development of a shared and strategic approach to the provision of regional facilities.
- Examine options for further cooperation on regional interfaith dialogue activities.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
ACTION 1:Engage in a concerted manner with all relevant stakeholders in Fiji in order to assist it with protecting and consolidating respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law both before and after the coming elections. Provide support for the organisation and holding of democratic elections. Following elections, explore the possibilities for providing coordinated or joint support for Fiji. Identify and support reform and capacity building measures to facilitate future budget support measures. Support the leading role of the Pacific Islands Forum in actions aimed at restoring democracy and the rule of law on Fiji, taking into account Fiji’s status as an ACP country and the EU’s particular relationship with Fiji under the revised Cotonou Agreement.
Desired outcome: Stabilisation of the political situation and a return to democracy and the rule of law in Fiji.
ACTION 2: Coordinate support for monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) measures in the Pacific in close cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
Desired outcome: An effective MCS system in place in the western and central Pacific region, with extension to all Pacific Island Countries, with a view in particular to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities.
ACTION 3: Jointly develop a proposal for a catch documentation scheme for the western and central Pacific Ocean to deter IUU fishing activities for key tuna species.
Desired outcome: An effective catch documentation scheme to prevent the trading of illegally-sourced tuna products caught in the western and central Pacific Ocean to curb market opportunities for tuna originating from fishing operations that do not comply with conservation and management measures put in place by Pacific Island Countries and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
ACTION 4: Jointly develop a program to support the measures taken by South East Asian developing nations to implement the actions agreed under the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fisheries and Combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the area (RPOA).
Desired outcome: More effective fisheries management and governance within the developing countries endorsing the RPOA (particularly Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, PNG, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam), allowing for more effective cooperative arrangements for sustainable management of the region’s fisheries resources, thereby underpinning food security and the sustainable development of the region’s marine resources.
ACTION 5: Finalise possible arrangements for the implementation of reciprocal untying of European Community development assistance programs in Asia to Australian firms by December 2008, as a preliminary step that may lead to permanent and geographically unlimited access for Australian firms.
Desired outcome: Better value for money for both Australian and European Union procurement processes in accordance with our commitment to Indicator 8 of the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
ACTION 6:Develop a joint roadmap for expanding financing through partnerships to the Pacific including through training in public financial management. Explore closer practical collaboration, including common diagnostic approaches and harmonised public financial management capacity development.
Desired Outcome:Improved coordination of Australian and EU assistance in the Pacific, as well as increased use of partner government systems at national, sub-national and sector levels in accordance with commitments to indicators 2 (Reliable country systems) and 5 (Alignment/using country systems) of the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
ACTION 7: Coordinate support for the effective implementation of measures related to Small Arms and Light Weapons in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands states, including in relation to stockpile security and other measures that could contribute to stability, social cohesion and development, such as responsible arms transfers.
Desired Outcome:Maximise outcomes from assistance programs and export licensing measures relating to Small Arms and Light Weapons.
OBJECTIVE IV: SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO COOPERATE ON CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY SECURITY, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
RATIONALE
One of the greatest challenges we face is climate change and the threat it poses to the environment.The EU and Australia are committed to developing ambitious measures, both domestically and through international engagement in particular via the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), that promote the mitigation of and adaptation to the global challenges of climate change. We recognise that energy efficiency and the increased uptake of technological advances such as renewable energy sources and low emission technologies are part of the solution to the growth in global energy demand and to mitigating the effects of climate change. Building on the outcome of recent discussions,Australia and the EU recognise the importance of multilateral dialogue on energy security and climate change including in the G8 andmajor economies meeting processes. We have as common objectives the protection and preservation of the environment and the sustainability of the world's fisheries and forest resources.
LONG/MEDIUM TERM OBJECTIVES
- Consolidate and strengthen bilateral and international cooperation in key environmental areas including climate change, biodiversity, biosafety and sustainable management of natural resources.
- Develop joint projects on environment, climate change and energy through the European Commission's 7th Framework Program.
- Develop cooperation on policies and mechanisms to address energy and energy security issues including energy efficiency, development and uptake of clean, diverse and sustainable energy technologies and improving the function of global energy markets.
- Develop a structured dialogue on integrated maritime policy questions, including those related to surveillance, data collection and maritime security and safety.
AREAS OF ON-GOING COLLABORATION
- Regular high level dialogue on the environment.
- Cooperation in multilateral climate change, environment, energy security, maritime, forestry and fisheries fora.
- Build on our cooperation on climate change policies and measures including on the development of safe and sustainable low emissions technologies and carbon capture and storage.
- Promote the establishment, better coordination and funding of adaptation planning for and responses to climate change for most vulnerable countries, including in the Pacific region.
- Information exchanges on:
- environmental, social, economic, security and strategic impacts resulting from climate change, including energy issues and countermeasures;
- energy efficiency improvements including development of goals, actions and indicators;
- reform and liberalisation of energy markets; and
- nuclear security and safety;
- enhanced cooperation on emissions trading schemes in sectors including energy, industrial processes, and transport, including aviation, and also opportunities for international linkages.
- Continue informal discussions on forests and climate and explore possibilities for donor coordination and consultation on programs, building on existing programs in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island Countries and coordination on the implementation of relevant sections of the Bali Roadmap.
- Promotion of global energy trade and investment and improving the function of global energy markets.
- Continued dialogue on innovation, research and technology development and the uptake of cleaner, sustainable and new sources of energy.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
ACTION 1: Promote practical cooperation on environmental, climate change and energy issues including through dialogue and cooperation and consultation in multilateral fora.
Desired Outcome:
-
Areas of cooperative activity may include but are not
limited to:
- biodiversity conservation;
- United Nations General Assembly work on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction including efforts to establish marine protected areas on the high seas;
- biosafety;
- endangered species;
- co-operation on whale conservation and the future of the IWC, including working towards an end to lethal ‘scientific’ whaling and strengthening cooperation on non-lethal whales research;
- sustainable forest management and co-operation to combat deforestation and illegal logging;
- international environmental governance;
- Enhance cooperation on the development of a comprehensive, global post-2012 agreement to tackle climate change and incentives to engage developing countries in increased action.
- Continue co-operation on development and implementation of domestic policies and measures to tackle climate change, including market based instruments, in particular emissions trading schemes, including through the ICAP forum.
-
Identify practical cooperation in:
- Energy efficiency and safe and sustainable low emission technologies;
- Improving the operation of energy markets and promoting energy trade and investment;
- Renewable energy sources, including the sustainable production of biofuels;
- Development, demonstration and deployment of safe and sustainable low emission technologies in Australia, the EU and third countries, including e.g. carbon capture and storage and other clean coal technologies;
- Nuclear security and safety.
ACTION 2: Meeting the MEM Leaders’ Statement of 9 July 2008 on Environment and Climate Change.
Desired Outcome: Accelerate the development, demonstration and deployment of carbon capture and storage.
ACTION 3: Meet the Bali Action Plan's objectives, notably throughengaging in the comprehensive process to enable the full, effective and sustainable implementation of the Convention through long-term cooperation, now, up to and beyond 2012, by addressing, inter alia, a shared vision for long-term cooperative action, including a long-term global goal for emission reductions.
Desired outcome: Intensification of cooperation in the negotiation process under the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol.
ACTION 4:Explore opportunities for consultation and cooperation on adaptation to climate change, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Desired outcome: Enhanced consultation and co-ordination on activities promoting adaptation to climate change.
ACTION 5:Enhance cooperation on issues relating to environmental impacts of transport through existing mechanisms including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).While recognising and supporting the role played by the ICAO and IMO, Australia and the EU would welcome the Ad-hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the UNFCCC exploring the scope for addressing international emissions from the aviation and maritime sectors.
Desired outcome: Contribute toeffective global action to reduce the environmental impact of international transport.
ACTION 6:Conduct a biennial exchange of information and experience on fisheries policy and oceans management issues including efforts to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and including also an ecosystem-based approach to the management of oceanic fisheries.
Desired outcome: Share experience on and promote jointly an integrated approach to oceans management in international fora; cooperate with a view to improving fisheries policy and sustainable fisheries management.
ACTION 7: Focus joint EC-Australia efforts to complete the current on-going Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) Performance Review exercise, and on the basis of its outcomes re-launch together the reform of this Tuna RFMO so as to improve and strengthen the functioning and effectiveness of IOTC in meeting its basic objectives.
Desired outcome: Enhanced consultation and co-ordination onthe conservation and management of highly migratory fisheries resources in the Indian Ocean and the marine environment through the provision of effective management strategies.
ACTION 8: Explore opportunities to submit joint proposals for consideration at the forthcoming joint tuna regional fishery management organisations meeting in 2009.
Desired outcome: Consistent and effective conservation and management measures adopted by regional fisheries management organisations.
ACTION 9: Cooperate in negotiations to finalise text for a treaty to establish a South Pacific regional fisheries management organisation that adopts world’s best practice reflecting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, application of the precautionary approach and strong monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) measures.
Desired outcome: Finalised text that reflects world’s best practice based on sustainable fisheries management principles.
ACTION 10: Cooperate to establish interim measures on bottom fisheries in the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) area.
Desire outcome: Interim measures that meet the requirements set out in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 61/105.
OBJECTIVE V: TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EU AND AUSTRALIA IN SCIENCE, RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, EDUCATION AND CULTURE AND TO FACILITATE THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE.
RATIONALE
Australia and the EU are committed to build on their Science and Technology Agreement, developing an innovation, science and research partnership to create new opportunities for collaboration. The Lisbon Strategy has emphasised the importance of the knowledge triangle (education, research and innovation) in achieving competitiveness and improvements in social and environmental factors. The EU and Australia have collaborated for many years on education through joint mobility projects and initiatives such as the Europe Centres. That commitment to collaboration was renewed in a Joint Declaration on Cooperation in Education and Training signed in 2007. We wish now to build on our past successes and broaden the scope of engagement to include policy dialogue in education and increased mobility for our students and scholars.The EU and Australia will also seek to identify opportunities for further cultural cooperation and exchanges. Furthermore, both parties intendto facilitate the freedom of movement of genuine travellers.
LONG/MEDIUM TERM OBJECTIVES
- Promote and facilitate greater exchange of students and scholars and inter-institutional linkages through mobility projects and scholarships, joint conferences/seminars and researcher and staff exchange.
- Extend and enhance the role of the Europe Centres and promote regular collaboration activities between the Europe Centres both within Australia and in the region.
AREAS OF ON-GOING COLLABORATION
- Increase the visibility and understanding of innovation, science and research partnerships through expanding the role of the Forum for European Australian Science & Technology cooperation (FEAST) which highlights, promotes and facilitates collaborative research between the Australian and EU research communities\.
- Mutual commitment to FEAST, through activities that include thematic collaboration roadmaps, liaison, best practice strategies and tactics, an impact monitoring system and continuation of established activities.
- Promote collaboration opportunities through Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s CSIRO's National Research Flagships arising from opening-up the Flagship Collaboration Fund to overseas researchers, and through the international elements of the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program.
- Encourage mutual exchanges between Australian and EU research organisations through support for Australian participation in European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST) and the Marie Curie programs especially the International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES).
- Continue Australian involvement in international “big science” projects, e.g. the EC funded Preparatory Study for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the next generation radio-telescope; membership of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory; and participation in European space science activities.
- Building on the outcomes of the 10th JSTCC meeting held on 29-30 September 2008, intensify support for an innovation, science and research partnership between Australia and the EU, including new opportunities for strategic research partnerships under the European Commission’s Framework Programmes for R&D.
- Agree on priorities and objectives for a sixth and seventh round of mobility projects. Explore long-term options for more flexible and less-resource intensive student mobility, academic cooperation and credit transfer arrangements.
- Regular promotion of existing projects and programmes for Australian students to study in Europe such as Erasmus Mundus and for students and researchers from Europe to study in Australia such as the Endeavour Europe Awards, and continued support for websites which disseminate information on opportunities for students to study in Europe.
- Encourage greater institutional linkages and partnerships with a view to strengthening the educational element of the knowledge triangle (research-innovation-education).
- Continue information exchanges on education and training, including the Bologna and Copenhagen processes in respect of higher education and vocational education and training.
- Ensure that the visa policies of the EU and Australia complement and facilitate the overall objectives of their new partnership where these result in their citizens travelling to and from both parties.
- Maintain a dialogue on questions of visa reciprocity.
- Australia to provide statistical reports on the new Australian short-term visa system, eVisitors, including the number of eVisitors applications, grants, refusals and the grant rate broken down by citizenship. The report will also include the percentage of grants which were automatically granted without being referred for manual finalisation.
IMMEDIATE ACTION
ACTION 1: Develop an innovation, science and research partnership between Australia and the EU.
Desired Outcome: new initiatives in specific thematic areas:
- new instruments of collaboration which enhance the scope and reciprocity of research exchanges between Australia and the EU;
- preparation by Australia of a strategy for science and research collaboration with the EU;
- increased exchange of information and sharing of practices for enhancing innovation; and
- improved mutual understanding of developments in innovation, science and research policy.
ACTION 2: Enhance Australian-EU science and research collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region through the European Commission's 7th Framework Programmeand in particular via its international cooperation activities under the Capacities programme, which supports and develops regional networks of European and third countries to identify and work together on key scientific issues.
Desired Outcome: Appropriate link between the policy dialogue undertaken by the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee and the underlying initiatives led by third parties, such as the dialogue platforms (FEAST) and others led by Member States and stakeholders.
ACTION 3: Hold the firstpolicy dialogue on issues and themes in education and training in the first half of 2009.
Desired outcome: Reinforced bilateral and multilateral co-operation at both the administrative and policy level. Enhanced understanding of education and training policies and developments in both the EU and Australia.
ACTION 4: Establish a policy dialogue on issues arising from cultural, religious and linguistic diversity.
Desired outcome: Close co-operation towards reaching common objectives, notably in relevant international fora.
ACTION 5: EC Delegation in Canberra, with assistance from the Dept of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to develop a brochure on EU-Australia Relations on education and training.
Desired outcome: Increased awareness of opportunities for student and scholar mobility and institutional partnerships, including through the Erasmus Mundus programme.
ACTION 6: Ensure smooth implementation of the eVisitors system, which provides equal treatment for all EU Member States, through support for the Australian Government's information campaign in Europe.
Desired Outcome: Increase facilitation of reciprocal travel arrangements between Australia and the EU for non-permanent stays.