Proposal on the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Singapore

Summary:

On 4 December 2018 the European Commission presented a proposal for a Council Decision concluding the EU-Singapore Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Further information:

On 25 November 2004, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with six ASEAN countries, including Singapore. Negotiations with Singapore were launched in October 2005 and finalised in May 2013. Following the adoption of Council Decision (EU) 2018/1047, the Agreement was signed on 19 October in Brussels.

Background:

The PCA with Singapore is the fifth agreement with an ASEAN country, following the agreements with Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. It will supersede the current legal framework of the 1980 Cooperation Agreement between the European Economic Community and member countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

This Agreement with Singapore constitutes a stepping stone towards enhanced political and economic involvement of the EU in South-East Asia. It will provide the basis for more effective bilateral engagement by the EU and its Member States with Singapore by strengthening political dialogue and enhancing cooperation in a broad range of areas.