Our negotiation has delivered the most ambitious and innovative results ever for a bilateral agreement by the EU. This is a “fourth generation plus” agreement. The agreement covers all the areas of our trade relation going well beyond our respective WTO commitments. Pascal Lamy, EU Trade Commissioner, April 2002, announcing the successful end to negotiating the EU-Chile Association Agreement.
“It is important to stress that the negotiating process of the EU-Chile Association Agreement excluded the participation of Chilean civil society organisations. This effectively denied coastal communities, artisanal fishermen, fishworkers and consumers access to information on issues with a direct bearing on their fishing and aquaculture dependent livelihoods.” Juan Carlos Cardenas, Director of Ecoceanos, July 2002.
“Respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law are essential elements of the agreement. The promotion of sustainable economic and social development, and the equitable distribution of the benefits of the Association Agreement are guiding principles for its implementation.” European Commission Press release, 18 November 2002.