The San Marino Association Agreement: What You Need to Know
On February 22, 2013, the European Union (EU) and San Marino signed the Association Agreement, creating a framework for their relations. But what exactly is the San Marino Association Agreement? And why is it important?
San Marino is a microstate located in the heart of Italy. It is the third smallest country in Europe, with a population of around 34,000 people. Despite its size, San Marino has a unique political system, where citizens elect two Captains Regent to serve as the heads of state for a six-month term. San Marino is not a member of the EU, but it has a long history of cooperation with Europe. In fact, San Marino has been using the euro as its official currency since 2002.
The San Marino Association Agreement is a comprehensive treaty that covers a wide range of areas, including trade, customs, and justice. The agreement aims to strengthen the relationship between the EU and San Marino by promoting economic and political cooperation. The treaty also includes provisions for the protection of human rights, the environment, and intellectual property.
One of the main benefits of the Association Agreement is that it allows San Marino to participate in the EU`s single market. This means that San Marino can trade freely with the EU, without facing any tariffs or barriers to trade. In addition, the agreement provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and San Marino on issues such as consumer protection, competition, and public procurement.
The Association Agreement also includes provisions for cooperation in the field of justice. San Marino is integrated into the EU`s judicial system, which means that its citizens can benefit from EU-wide rules on civil and criminal law. The agreement also provides for the exchange of information and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
The San Marino Association Agreement is a testament to the EU`s commitment to building strong partnerships with its neighbors. By promoting economic and political cooperation, the agreement aims to bring benefits to both San Marino and the EU. For San Marino, the agreement provides an opportunity to deepen its ties with Europe and benefit from the advantages of the single market. For the EU, the agreement strengthens its relations with a key partner in the heart of Italy.
In conclusion, the San Marino Association Agreement is an important treaty that provides a framework for cooperation between the EU and San Marino. The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including trade, customs, and justice, and aims to promote economic and political cooperation. By allowing San Marino to participate in the single market, the agreement provides an opportunity for the country to deepen its ties with Europe and benefit from the advantages of the EU`s economic integration.