EU - Moldova, Republic of Association Agreement (2014)
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(b) methodologies and indicators for trade sustainability impact assessments;

(c) the impact of labour and environment regulations, norms and standards on trade and investment, as well as the impact of trade and investment rules on labour and environmental law, including on the development of labour and environmental regulations and policy;

(d) the positive and negative impacts of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement on sustainable development and ways to enhance, prevent or mitigate them, respectively, also taking into account the sustainability impact assessments carried out by either or both Parties;

(e) promoting the ratification and the effective implementation of fundamental, priority and other up-to-date ILO conventions and MEAs of relevance in a trade context;

(f) promoting private and public certification, traceability and labelling schemes, including eco-labelling;

(g) promoting corporate social responsibility, for instance through actions concerning awareness raising, adherence, implementation and follow-up of internationally recognised guidelines and principles;

(h) trade-related aspects of the ILO Decent Work Agenda, including on the interlink between trade and full and productive employment, labour market adjustment, core labour standards, labour statistics, human resources development and lifelong learning, social protection and social inclusion, social dialogue and gender equality;

(i) trade-related aspects of MEAs, including customs cooperation;

(j) trade-related aspects of the current and future international climate change regime, including means to promote low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency;

(k) trade-related measures to promote the conservation and the sustainable use of biological diversity;

(l) trade-related measures to tackle deforestation, including by addressing problems regarding illegal logging; and

(m) trade-related measures to promote sustainable fishing practices and trade in sustainably managed fish products.

Article 376. Institutional and Overseeing Mechanisms

1. Each Party shall designate an office within its administration that shall serve as the contact point with the other Party for the purposes of implementing this Chapter.

2. The Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee is hereby established. It shall report on its activities to the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement. It shall comprise senior officials from within the administrations of each Party.

3. The Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee shall meet within the first year after the date of entry into force of this Agreement, and thereafter as necessary, to oversee the implementation of this Chapter, including cooperative activities undertaken under Article 375 of this Agreement. That Sub-Committee shall establish its own rules of procedure.

4. Each Party shall convene new, or consult existing, domestic advisory group(s) on sustainable development with the task of advising on issues relating to this Chapter. Such group(s) may submit views or recommendations on the implementation of this Chapter, including on its (their) own initiative.

5. The domestic advisory group(s) shall comprise independent representative organisations of civil society in a balanced representation of economic, social, and environmental stakeholders, including, among others, employers' and workers' organisations, non-governmental organisations, business groups, as well as other relevant stakeholders.

Article 377. Joint Civil Society Dialogue Forum

1. The Parties shall facilitate a joint forum with civil society organisations established in their territories, including members of their domestic advisory group(s) and the public at large, to conduct a dialogue on sustainable development aspects of this Agreement. The Parties shall promote a balanced representation of relevant interests, including independent representative organisations of employers, workers, environmental interests and business groups, as well as other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate.

2. The joint civil society dialogue forum shall be convened once a year unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. The Parties shall agree on the operation of the joint civil society dialogue forum no later than one year after the entry into force of this Agreement.

3. The Parties shall present an update on the implementation of this Chapter to the joint civil society dialogue forum. The views and the opinions of the joint civil society dialogue forum shall be submitted to the Parties and shall be made publicly available.

Article 378. Government Consultations

1. For any matter arising under this Chapter the Parties shall only have recourse to the procedures established under this Article and Article 379 of this Agreement.

2. A Party may request consultations with the other Party regarding any matter arising under this Chapter by deli- vering a written request to the contact point of the other Party. The request shall present the matter clearly, identifying the problem at issue and providing a brief summary of the claims under this Chapter. Consultations shall start promptly after a Party delivers a request for consultations.

3. The Parties shall make every attempt to arrive at a mutually satisfactory resolution of the matter. The Parties shall take into account the activities of the ILO or relevant multilateral environmental organisations or bodies so as to promote greater cooperation and coherence between the work of the Parties and those organisations. Where relevant, the Parties may seek advice from those organisations or bodies, or any person or body they deem appropriate, in order to fully examine the matter.

4. If a Party considers that the matter needs further discussion, that Party may request that the Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee be convened to consider the matter by delivering a written request to the contact point of the other Party. That Sub-Committee shall convene promptly and endeavour to agree on a resolution of the matter.

5. Where appropriate, that Sub-Committee may seek the advice of the domestic advisory group(s) of either Party or both Parties or other expert assistance.

6. Any resolution reached by the consulting Parties on the matter shall be made publicly available.

Article 379. Panel of Experts

1. Each Party may, 90 days after the delivery of a request for consultations under Article 378(2) of this Agreement, request that a Panel of Experts be convened to examine a matter that has not been satisfactorily addressed through government consultations.

2. The provisions of Sub-Section 1 and Sub-Section 3 of Section 3, and of Article 406 of Chapter 14 (Dispute Settlement) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement, as well as the Rules of Procedure in Annex XXXII to this Agreement and the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and Mediators ("Code of Conduct") set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement, shall apply, except as otherwise provided in this Article.

3. At its first meeting after the entry into force of this Agreement, the Trade and Sustainable Development Sub- Committee shall establish a list of at least 15 individuals who are willing and able to serve as experts in Panel procedures. Each Party shall propose at least five individuals to serve as experts. The Parties shall also select at least five individuals who are not nationals of either Party who may serve as chairperson to the Panel of Experts. The Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee shall ensure that the list is always maintained at that level.

4. The list referred to in paragraph 3 shall comprise individuals with specialised knowledge or expertise in law, labour or environmental issues addressed in this Chapter, or the resolution of disputes arising under international agreements. They shall be independent, serve in their individual capacities and not take instructions from any organisation or government with regard to issues related to the matter at stake, or be affiliated with the government of any Party, and shall comply with the Code of Conduct set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement.

5. For matters arising under this Chapter, the Panel of Experts shall be composed of experts from the list referred to in paragraph 3 of this Article, in accordance with Article 385 of this Agreement and rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure set out in Annex XXXII to this Agreement.

6. The Panel of Experts may seek information and advice from either Party, the domestic advisory group(s) or any other source it deems appropriate. In matters related to the respect of multilateral agreements as set out in Articles 365 and 366 of this Agreement, the Panel of Experts should seek information and advice from the ILO or MEA bodies.

7. The Panel of Experts shall issue its report to the Parties, in accordance with the relevant procedures set out in Chapter 14 (Dispute Settlement) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement. That report shall set out the findings of facts, the applicability of the relevant provisions and the basic rationale behind any findings and recommendations that it makes. The Parties shall make the report publicly available within 15 days of its issuance.

8. The Parties shall discuss appropriate measures to be implemented, taking into account the Panel of Experts' report and recommendations. The Party concerned shall inform its advisory group(s) and the other Party of its decisions on any action or measure to be implemented no later than three months after the public release of the report. The follow-up to the report and the recommendations of the Panel of Experts shall be monitored by the Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee. The advisory bodies and the Joint Civil Society Dialogue Forum may submit observations to the Trade and Sustainable Development Sub-Committee in that regard.

Chapter 14. Dispute Settlement

Section 1. Objective and Scope

Article 380. Objective

The objective of this Chapter is to establish an effective and efficient mechanism for avoiding and settling any dispute between the Parties concerning the interpretation and application of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement with a view to arriving, where possible, at a mutually agreed solution.

Article 381. Scope of Application

This Chapter shall apply with respect to any dispute concerning the interpretation and application of the provisions of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided.

Section 2. Consultations and Mediation

Article 382. Consultations

1. The Parties shall endeavour to resolve any dispute referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement by entering into consultations in good faith with the aim of reaching a mutually agreed solution.

2. A Party shall seek consultations by means of a written request to the other Party, copied to the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, giving reasons for the request, including by identifying the measure at issue and the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement that it considers applicable.

3. Consultations shall be held within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request and take place, unless the Parties agree otherwise, in the territory of the Party to which the request is made. The consultations shall be deemed concluded within 30 days of the date of receipt of the request, unless both Parties agree to continue consultations. Consultations, in particular all information disclosed and positions taken by the Parties during the consultations, shall be confidential, and without prejudice to the rights of either Party in any further proceedings.

4. Consultations on matters of urgency, including those regarding perishable goods or seasonal goods or services, shall be held within 15 days of the date of receipt of the request by the requested Party, and shall be deemed concluded within those 15 days unless both Parties agree to continue consultations.

5. If the Party to which the request is made does not respond to the request for consultations within 10 days of the date of its receipt, or if consultations are not held within the timeframes laid down in paragraph 3 or in paragraph 4 of this Article, respectively, or if the Parties agree not to have consultations, or if consultations have been concluded and no mutually agreed solution has been reached, the Party that sought consultations may have recourse to Article 384 of this Agreement.

6. During the consultations each Party shall deliver sufficient factual information, so as to allow a complete examination of the manner in which the measure at issue could affect the operation and the application of this Agreement.

7. Where consultations concern the transport of energy goods through networks and one Party views the resolution of the dispute as urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of transport of natural gas, oil or electricity between the Parties, the consultations shall be held within three days of the date of submission of the request, and shall be deemed concluded three days after the date of submission of the request unless both Parties agree to continue consultations.

Article 383. Mediation

Any Party may request the other Party to enter into a mediation procedure with respect to any measure adversely affecting trade or investment between the Parties pursuant to Annex XXXII to this Agreement.

Section 3. Dispute Settlement Procedures

Subsection 1. Arbitration Procedure

Article 384. Initiation of the Arbitration Procedure

1. Where the Parties have failed to resolve the dispute by recourse to consultations as provided for in Article 382 of this Agreement, the Party that sought consultations may request the establishment of an arbitration panel in accordance with this Article.

2. The request for the establishment of an arbitration panel shall be made in writing to the other Party and the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement. The complaining Party shall identify in its request the measure at issue, and it shall explain how such measure is inconsistent with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement in a manner sufficient to present the legal basis for the complaint clearly.

Article 385. Establishment of the Arbitration Panel

1.  An arbitration panel shall be composed of three arbitrators.

2. Within 10 days of the date of receipt by the Party complained against of the request for the establishment of an arbitration panel, the Parties shall consult in order to reach an agreement on the composition of the arbitration panel.

3. In the event that the Parties are unable to agree on the composition of the arbitration panel within the time frame laid down in paragraph 2 of this Article, each Party may appoint an arbitrator from its sub-list established under Article 404 of this Agreement within five days from the expiry of the timeframe established in paragraph 2 of this Article. If any of the Parties fails to appoint the arbitrator, the arbitrator shall, upon request of the other Party, be selected by lot by the chair of the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, or the chair's delegate, from the sub-list of that Party contained in the list established under Article 404 of this Agreement.

4. Unless the Parties reach an agreement concerning the chairperson of the arbitration panel within the timeframe established in paragraph 2 of this Article, the chair of the Association Committee in Trade configuration or the chair's delegate shall, upon request of any of the Parties, select by lot the chairperson of the arbitration panel from the sub-list of chairpersons contained in the list established under Article 404 of this Agreement.

5. The chair of the Association Committee in Trade configuration or the chair's delegate shall select the arbitrators within five days of the request by either Party referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4.

6. The date of establishment of the arbitration panel shall be the date on which the last of the three selected arbitrators accepts the appointment according to the Rules of Procedure in Annex XXXII to this Agreement.

7. Should any of the lists provided for in Article 404 of this Agreement not be established or not contain sufficient names at the time a request is made pursuant to paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Article, the arbitrators shall be drawn by lot from the individuals who have been formally proposed by one or both of the Parties.

8. Unless the Parties agree otherwise, in respect of a dispute concerning Chapter 11 (Trade-related Energy) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement which a Party considers to be urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of any transport of natural gas, oil, or electricity or a threat thereof between the Parties, the second sentence of paragraph 3 and paragraph 4 shall apply without recourse to paragraph 2, and the period referred to in paragraph 5 shall be of two days.

Article 386. Preliminary Ruling on Urgency

If a Party so requests, the arbitration panel shall, within 10 days of its establishment, give a preliminary ruling on whether it deems the case to be urgent.

Article 387. Arbitration Panel Report

1. The arbitration panel shall notify an interim report to the Parties setting out the findings of fact, the applicability of relevant provisions and the basic rationale behind any findings and recommendations that it makes, not later than 90 days after the date of establishment of the arbitration panel. Where it considers that that deadline cannot be met, the chairperson of the arbitration panel shall notify the Parties and the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, in writing, stating the reasons for the delay and the date on which the arbitra- tion panel plans to notify its interim report. Under no circumstances should the interim report be notified later than 120 days after the date of establishment of the arbitration panel.

2. A Party may submit a written request to the arbitration panel to review precise aspects of the interim report within 14 days of its notification.

3. In cases of urgency, including those involving perishable goods or seasonal goods or services, the arbitration panel shall make every effort to notify its interim report within 45 days and, in any case, no later than 60 days after the date of establishment of the arbitration panel. A Party may submit a written request to the arbitration panel to review precise aspects of the interim report, within 7 days of the notification of the interim report.

4. After considering any written comments by the Parties on the interim report, the arbitration panel may modify its report and make any further examination it considers appropriate. The findings of the final panel ruling shall include a sufficient discussion of the arguments made at the interim review stage, and shall answer clearly to the questions and observations of the Parties.

5. In respect of a dispute concerning Chapter 11 (Trade-related Energy) of Title V (Irade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement which a Party considers to be urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of any transport of natural gas, oil or electricity or a threat thereof between the Parties, the interim report shall be notified 20 days after the date of establishment of the arbitration panel, and any request pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article shall be made within five days of the notification of the written report. The arbitration panel may also decide to dispense with the interim report.

Article 388. Conciliation for Urgent Energy Disputes

1. In respect of a dispute concerning Chapter 11 (Trade-related Energy) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement which a Party considers to be urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of any transport of natural gas, oil, or electricity or a threat thereof between the Parties, either Party may request the chairperson of the arbitration panel to act as a conciliator concerning any matter related to the dispute by making a request to the arbitration panel.

2. The conciliator shall seek an agreed resolution of the dispute or seek to agree a procedure to achieve such resolution. If within 15 days of his/her appointment he/she has failed to secure such agreement, he/she shall recommend a resolution to the dispute or a procedure to achieve such resolution and shall decide on the terms and conditions to be observed from a date which he/she shall specify until the dispute is resolved.

3. The Parties and the entities under their control or jurisdiction shall respect recommendations made under paragraph 2 on the terms and conditions for three months following the conciliator's decision or until resolution of the dispute, whichever is earlier.

4. The conciliator shall respect the Code of Conduct set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement.

Article 389. Notification of the Ruling of the Arbitration Panel

1. The arbitration panel shall notify its final ruling to the Parties and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, within 120 days from the date of establishment of the arbitration panel. Where it considers that that deadline cannot be met, the chairperson of the arbitration panel shall notify the Parties and the Association Committee in Trade configuration in writing, stating the reasons for the delay and the date on which the arbitration panel plans to notify its ruling. Under no circumstances should the ruling be notified later than 150 days after the date of establishment of the arbitration panel.

2. In cases of urgency, including those involving perishable goods or seasonal goods or services, the arbitration panel shall make every effort to notify its ruling within 60 days from the date of its establishment. Under no circumstances should the ruling be notified later than 75 days after the date of its establishment.

3. In respect of a dispute concerning Chapter 11 (Trade-related Energy) of Title V (Irade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement which a Party considers to be urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of any transport of natural gas, oil or electricity or a threat thereof between the Parties, the arbitration panel shall notify its ruling within 40 days from the date of its establishment.

Subsection 2. Compliance

Article 390. Compliance with the Arbitration Panel Ruling

The Party complained against shall take any measure necessary to comply promptly and in good faith with the arbitra- tion panel ruling.

Article 391. Reasonable Period of Time for Compliance

1. If immediate compliance is not possible, the Parties shall endeavour to agree on the period of time to comply with the ruling. In such a case, the Party complained against shall, no later than 30 days after the receipt of the notification of the arbitration panel ruling to the Parties, notify the complaining Party and the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, of the time it will require for compliance (reasonable period of time’) and provide reasons for the proposed reasonable period of time.

2. If there is disagreement between the Parties on the reasonable period of time to comply with the arbitration panel ruling, the complaining Party shall, within 20 days of the receipt of the notification made under paragraph 1 by the Party complained against, request in writing the original arbitration panel to determine the length of the reasonable period of time. Such request shall be notified simultaneously to the other Party and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration. The original arbitration panel shall notify its ruling to the Parties and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration within 20 days from the date of submission of the request.

3. The Party complained against shall inform the complaining Party in writing of its progress to comply with the arbi- tration panel ruling at least 30 days before the expiry of the reasonable period of time.

4. The reasonable period of time may be extended by mutual agreement of the Parties.

Article 392. Review of Any Measure Taken to Comply with the Arbitration Panel Ruling

1. The Party complained against shall notify the complaining Party and the Association Committee in Trade config- uration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, before the end of the reasonable period of time of any measure that it has taken to comply with the arbitration panel ruling.

2. In the event that there is disagreement between the Parties concerning the existence or the consistency of any measure taken to comply as notified in paragraph 1 with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, the complaining Party may request in writing the original arbitration panel to rule on the matter. Such request shall identify the specific measure at issue and explain how such measure is inconsistent with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, in a manner sufficient to present the legal basis for the complaint clearly. The original arbitration panel shall notify its ruling to the Parties and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration within 45 days of the date of submission of the request.

Article 393. Temporary Remedies In Case of Non-compliance

1. If the Party complained against fails to notify any measure taken to comply with the arbitration panel ruling before the expiry of the reasonable period of time, or if the arbitration panel rules that no measure taken to comply exists or that the measure notified under Article 392(1) of this Agreement is inconsistent with that Party's obligations under the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, the Party complained against shall, if so requested by the complaining Party and after consultations with that Party, present an offer for temporary compensation.

2. If the complaining Party decides not to request an offer for temporary compensation under paragraph 1 of this Article, or, in case such request is made but no agreement on compensation is reached within 30 days from the end of the reasonable period of time or of the notification of the arbitration panel ruling under Article 392 of this Agreement that no measure taken to comply exists or that a measure taken to comply is inconsistent with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, the complaining Party shall be entitled, upon notification to the other Party and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, to suspend obligations arising from any provision referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement at a level equivalent to the nullification or impairment caused by the violation. The notification shall specify the level of suspension of obligations. The complaining Party may implement the suspension at any moment after the expiry of 10 days after the date of receipt of the notification by the Party complained against, unless the Party complained against has requested arbitration under paragraph 3 of this Article.

3. If the Party complained against considers that the level of suspension is not equivalent to the nullification or impairment caused by the violation, it may request in writing the original arbitration panel to rule on the matter. Such request shall be notified to the complaining Party and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration before the expiry of the ten day period referred to in paragraph 2. The original arbitration panel shall notify its ruling on the level of the suspension of obligations to the Parties and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration within 30 days of the date of submission of the request. Obligations shall not be suspended until the original arbitration panel has notified its ruling, and any suspension shall be consistent with the arbitration panel ruling.

4. The suspension of obligations and the compensation foreseen in this Article shall be temporary and shall not be applied after:

(a) the Parties have reached a mutually agreed solution pursuant to Article 398 of this Agreement;

(b) the Parties have agreed that the measure notified under Article 392(1) of this Agreement brings the Party complained against in conformity with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement; or

(c) any measure found to be inconsistent with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement has been withdrawn or amended so as to bring it in conformity with those provisions, as ruled under Article 392(1) of this Agreement.

Article 394. Remedies for Urgent Energy Disputes

1. In respect of a dispute concerning Chapter 11 (Trade-related Energy) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement which a Party considers to be urgent because of an interruption, in full or in part, of any transport of natural gas, oil, or electricity or a threat thereof between the Parties, the provisions of this Article on remedies shall apply.

2. By way of derogation from Articles 391, 392, and 393 of this Agreement, the complaining Party may suspend obligations arising under Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement to a level equivalent to the nullification or impairment caused by the Party failing to bring itself into compliance with the arbitration panel ruling within 15 days of its notification. That suspension may take effect immediately. Such suspension may be maintained as long as the Party complained against has not complied with the arbitration panel ruling.

3. Should the Party complained against dispute the existence of a failure to comply or the level of suspension due to the failure to comply, it may initiate proceedings under Articles 393(3) and 395 of this Agreement which shall be examined expeditiously. The complaining Party shall be required to remove or adjust the suspension only after the arbitration panel has ruled on the matter, and may maintain the suspension pending the proceedings.

Article 395. Review of Any Measure Taken to Comply after the Adoption of Temporary Remedies for Non-compliance

1. The Party complained against shall notify the complaining Party and the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, of the measure it has taken to comply with the ruling of the arbitration panel following the suspension of concessions or following the application of temporary compensation, as the case may be. With the exception of cases under paragraph 2 of this Article, the complaining Party shall terminate the suspension of concessions within 30 days from the receipt of the notification. In cases where compensation has been applied, and with the exception of cases under paragraph 2, the Party complained against may terminate the application of such compensation within 30 days from its notification that it has complied with the ruling of the arbitration panel.

2. If the Parties do not reach an agreement on whether the notified measure brings the Party complained against in conformity with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement within 30 days of the date of receipt of the notification, the complaining Party shall request in writing the original arbitration panel to rule on the matter. Such a request shall be notified simultaneously to the other Party and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration. The arbitration panel ruling shall be notified to the Parties and to the Association Committee in Trade configuration within 45 days of the date of submission of the request. If the arbitration panel rules that the measure taken to comply is in accordance with the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, the suspension of obligations or compensation, as the case may be, shall be terminated. Where relevant, the complaining Party shall adapt the level of suspension of concessions to the level determined by the arbitration panel.

Subsection 3. Common Provisions

Article 396. Replacement of Arbitrators

If in an arbitration proceeding under this Chapter, the original arbitration panel, or some of its members, are unable to participate, withdraw, or need to be replaced because they do not comply with the requirements of the Code of Conduct set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement, the procedure set out in Article 385 of this Agreement shall apply. The time-limit for the notification of the arbitration panel ruling shall be extended for the time necessary for the appoint- ment of a new arbitrator but for no more than 20 days.

Article 397. Suspension and Termination of Arbitration and Compliance Procedures

The arbitration panel shall, at the written request of the Parties, suspend its work at any time for a period agreed by the Parties not exceeding 12 consecutive months. The arbitration panel shall resume its work before the end of that period at the written request of the Parties or at the end of that period at the written request of any Party. The requesting Party shall inform the Chairperson of the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, and the other Party, accordingly. If a Party does not request the resumption of the arbitration panel’s work at the expiry of the agreed suspension period, the procedure shall be terminated. The suspension and termination of the arbitration panel's work are without prejudice to the rights of either Party in another proceeding subject to Article 405 of this Agreement.

Article 398. Mutually Agreed Solution

The Parties may reach a mutually agreed solution to a dispute under this Chapter at any time. They shall jointly notify the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, and the chairperson of the arbitration panel, where applicable, of any such solution. If the solution requires approval pursuant to the relevant domestic procedures of either Party, the notification shall refer to this requirement, and the dispute settlement procedure shall be suspended. If such approval is not required, or if the completion of any such domestic procedures is notified, the dispute settlement procedure shall be terminated.

Article 399. Rules of Procedure

1. Dispute settlement procedures under this Chapter shall be governed by the Rules of Procedure set out in Annex XXXII to this Agreement and by the Code of Conduct set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement.

2. Any hearing of the arbitration panel shall be open to the public unless provided otherwise in the Rules of Procedure.

Article 400. Information and Technical Advice

At the request of a Party, or upon its own initiative, the arbitration panel may obtain any information it deems appropriate for the arbitration panel proceeding from any source, including the Parties involved in the dispute. The arbitration panel also has the right to seek the opinion of experts, as it deems appropriate. The arbitration panel shall consult the Parties before choosing such experts. Natural or legal persons established in the territory of a Party may submit amicus curiae briefs to the arbitration panel in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. Any information obtained under this Article shall be disclosed to each of the Parties and submitted for their comments.

Article 401. Rules of Interpretation

The arbitration panel shall interpret the provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement in accordance with customary rules of interpretation of public international law, including those codified in the Vienna Convention of 1969 on the Law of Treaties. The arbitration panel shall also take into account relevant interpretations established in reports of panels and of the Appellate Body adopted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). The rulings of the arbitration panel cannot add to or diminish the rights and obligations of the Parties provided under this Agreement.

Article 402. Decisions and Rulings of the Arbitration Panel

1. The arbitration panel shall make every effort to take any decision by consensus. Where, nevertheless, a decision cannot be arrived at by consensus, the matter at issue shall be decided by majority vote. However, in no case shall dissenting opinions of arbitrators be disclosed.

2. The rulings of the arbitration panel shall be unconditionally accepted by the Parties. They shall not create any rights or obligations for natural or legal persons. The rulings shall set out the findings of fact, the applicability of the relevant provisions referred to in Article 381 of this Agreement, and the basic rationale behind any findings and conclusions that they make. The Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, shall make the rulings of the arbitration panel publicly available in their entirety within 10 days of their notification, unless it decides not to do so in order to ensure the confidentiality of business confidential information.

Article 403. Referrals to the Court of Justice of the European Union

1. The procedures set out in this Article shall apply to disputes concerning the interpretation and application of a provision of this Agreement relating to gradual approximation contained in Chapter 3 (Technical Barriers to Trade), Chapter 4 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures), Chapter 5 (Customs and Trade Facilitation), Chapter 6 (Establishment, Trade in Services and Electronic Commerce), Chapter 8 (Public Procurement) or Chapter 10 (Competition) of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement, or which otherwise imposes upon a Party an obligation defined by reference to a provision of Union law.

2. Where a dispute raises a question of interpretation of a provision of Union law referred to in paragraph 1, the arbitration panel shall not decide the question, but request the Court of Justice of the European Union to give a ruling on the question. In such cases, the deadlines applying to the rulings of the arbitration panel shall be suspended until the Court of Justice of the European Union has given its ruling. The ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union shall be binding on the arbitration panel.

Section 4. General Provisions Article 404 Lists of Arbitrators

1. The Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, shall, no later than six months after the entry into force of this Agreement, establish a list of at least 15 individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators. The list shall be composed of three sub-lists: one sub-list for each Party and one sub-list of individuals that are not nationals of either Party and who may serve as chairperson to the arbitration panel. Each sub-list shall include at least five individuals. The Association Committee in Trade configuration shall ensure that the list is always maintained at that level.

2. Arbitrators shall have specialised knowledge and experience of law and international trade. They shall be independent, serve in their individual capacities and not take instructions from any organisation or government, or be affiliated with the government of any of the Parties, and shall comply with the Code of Conduct set out in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement.

3. The Association Committee in Trade configuration may establish additional lists of 12 individuals with knowledge and experience in specific sectors covered by this Agreement. Subject to the agreement of the Parties, such additional lists shall be used to compose the arbitration panel in accordance with the procedure set out in Article 385 of this Agreement.

Article 405. Relation with WTO Obligations

1. Recourse to the dispute settlement provisions of this Chapter shall be without prejudice to any action in the WTO framework, including dispute settlement proceedings.

2. However, a Party shall not, for any particular measure, seek redress for a substantially equivalent obligation under both this Agreement and the WTO Agreement in both fora. In such case, once a dispute settlement proceeding has been initiated, the Party shall not bring a claim seeking redress for the breach of the substantially equivalent obligation under the other Agreement to the other forum, unless the forum selected first fails for procedural or jurisdictional reasons to make findings on the claim seeking redress of that obligation.

3. For the purposes of paragraph 2 of this Article:

(a) dispute settlement proceedings under the WTO Agreement are deemed to be initiated by a Party's request for the establishment of a panel under Article 6 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes of the WTO; and

(b) dispute settlement proceedings under this Chapter are deemed to be initiated by a Party's request for the establishment of an arbitration panel under Article 384 of this Agreement.

4. Nothing in this Agreement shall preclude a Party from implementing the suspension of obligations authorised by the DSB. The WTO Agreement shall not be invoked to preclude a Party from suspending obligations under this Chapter.

Article 406. Time-limits

1. All time-limits laid down in this Chapter, including the limits for the arbitration panels to notify their rulings, shall be counted in calendar days from the day following the act or the fact to which they refer, unless otherwise specified.

2. Any time-limit referred to in this Chapter may be modified by mutual agreement of the Parties to the dispute. The arbitration panel may at any time propose to the Parties to modify any time-limit referred to in this Chapter, stating the reasons for the proposal.

Chapter 15. General Provisions on Approximation Under Title V

Article 407. Progress In Approximation In Trade-related Areas

1. For the purposes of facilitating the assessment of the approximation, referred to in Articles 451 and 452 of this Agreement, of the law of the Republic of Moldova to Union law in the trade-related areas of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters), the Parties shall regularly, and at least once a year, discuss the progress in approximation according to the agreed timeframes provided for in Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement in the Association Committee in Trade configuration, as set out in Article 438(4) of this Agreement, or one of its Sub-Committees established under this Agreement.

2. Upon request by the Union, and for the purposes of such discussion, the Republic of Moldova shall submit to the Association Committee in Trade configuration or one of its Sub-Committees, as appropriate, information in writing on progress in approximation and on the effective implementation and enforcement of approximated domestic law, in relation to the relevant Chapters of Title V (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement.

  • Article   1 Objectives 1
  • Title   I GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1
  • Article   2 1
  • Title   II POLITICAL DIALOGUE AND REFORM, COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY 1
  • Article   3 Aims of Political Dialogue 1
  • Article   4 Domestic Reformthe Parties Shall Cooperate on the Following Areas: 1
  • Article   5 Foreign and Security Policy 1
  • Article   6 International Criminal Court 1
  • Article   7 Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management 1
  • Article   8 Regional Stability 1
  • Article   9 Weapons of Mass Destruction 1
  • Article   10 Small Arms and Light Weapons and Conventional Arms Export Control 1
  • Article   11 International Cooperation In the Fight Against Terrorism 1
  • Title   III FREEDOM, SECURITY AND JUSTICE 1
  • Article   12 Rule of Law 1
  • Article   13 Protection of Personal Data 1
  • Article   14 Cooperation on Migration, Asylum and Border Management 1
  • Article   15 Movement of Persons 2
  • Article   16 Preventing and Combating Organised Crime, Corruption and other Illegal Activities 2
  • Article   17 Tackling Illicit Drugs 2
  • Article   18 Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism 2
  • Article   19 Combating Terrorism 2
  • Article   20 Legal Cooperation 2
  • Title   IV ECONOMIC AND OTHER SECTORAL COOPERATION 2
  • Chapter   1 Public Administration Reform 2
  • Article   21 2
  • Article   22 Cooperation Shall Cover the Following Areas: 2
  • Article   23 2
  • Chapter   2 Economic Dialogue 2
  • Article   24 2
  • Article   25 2
  • Article   26 2
  • Chapter   3 Company Law, Accounting and Auditing and Corporate Governance 2
  • Article   27 2
  • Article   28 2
  • Article   29 2
  • Article   30 2
  • Chapter   4 Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities 2
  • Article   31 2
  • Article   32 2
  • Article   33 2
  • Article   34 2
  • Article   35 2
  • Article   36 2
  • Article   37 2
  • Chapter   5 Consumer Protection 2
  • Article   38 2
  • Article   39 2
  • Article   40 2
  • Chapter   6 Statistics 2
  • Article   41 2
  • Article   42 2
  • Article   43 2
  • Article   44 2
  • Article   45 2
  • Article   46 2
  • Chapter   7 Management of Public Finances: Budget Policy, Internal Control, Financial Inspection and External Audit 2
  • Article   47 2
  • Article   48 Budget and Accounting Systems 2
  • Article   49 Internal Control, Financial Inspection and External Audit 2
  • Article   50 Fight Against Fraud and Corruption 2
  • Article   51 3
  • Chapter   8 Taxation 3
  • Article   52 3
  • Article   53 3
  • Article   54 3
  • Article   55 3
  • Article   56 3
  • Article   57 3
  • Chapter   9 Financial Services 3
  • Article   58 3
  • Article   59 3
  • Article   60 3
  • Article   61 3
  • Chapter   10 Industrial and Enterprise Policy 3
  • Article   62 3
  • Article   63 3
  • Article   64 3
  • Chapter   11 Mining and Raw Materials 3
  • Article   65 3
  • Article   66 3
  • Chapter   12 Agriculture and Rural Development 3
  • Article   67 3
  • Article   68 3
  • Article   69 3
  • Article   70 3
  • Chapter   13 Fisheries and Maritime Policy 3
  • Section   1 Fisheries Policy 3
  • Article   71 3
  • Article   72 3
  • Article   73 3
  • Section   2 Maritime Policy 3
  • Article   74 3
  • Article   75 3
  • Chapter   14 Energy Cooperation 3
  • Article   76 3
  • Article   77 3
  • Article   78 3
  • Article   79 3
  • Chapter   15 Transport 3
  • Article   80 3
  • Article   81 3
  • Article   82 3
  • Article   83 3
  • Article   84 3
  • Article   85 3
  • Chapter   16 Environment 3
  • Article   86 3
  • Article   87 3
  • Article   88 4
  • Article   89 4
  • Article   90 4
  • Article   91 4
  • Chapter   17 Climate Action 4
  • Article   92 4
  • Article   93 4
  • Article   94 4
  • Article   95 4
  • Article   96 4
  • Article   97 4
  • Chapter   18 Information Society 4
  • Article   98 4
  • Article   99 4
  • Article   100 4
  • Article   101 4
  • Article   102 4
  • Chapter   19 Tourism 4
  • Article   103 4
  • Article   104 4
  • Article   105 4
  • Article   106 4
  • Chapter   20 Regional Development, Cross-border and Regional Level Cooperation 4
  • Article   107 4
  • Article   108 4
  • Article   109 4
  • Article   110 4
  • Article   111 4
  • Article   112 4
  • Chapter   21 Public Health 4
  • Article   113 4
  • Article   114 4
  • Article   115 4
  • Article   116 4
  • Chapter   22 Civil Protection 4
  • Article   117 4
  • Article   118 4
  • Article   119 4
  • Article   120 4
  • Article   121 4
  • Chapter   23 Cooperation on Education, Training, Multilingualism, Youth and Sport 4
  • Article   122 4
  • Article   123 4
  • Article   124 5
  • Article   125 5
  • Article   126 5
  • Chapter   24 Cooperation In Research, Technological Development and Demonstration 5
  • Article   127 5
  • Article   128 5
  • Article   129 5
  • Chapter   25 Cooperation on Culture, Audio-visual Policy and Media 5
  • Article   130 5
  • Article   131 5
  • Article   132 5
  • Article   133 5
  • Chapter   26 Civil Society Cooperation 5
  • Article   134 5
  • Article   135 5
  • Article   136 5
  • Chapter   27 Cooperation In the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of the Child 5
  • Article   137 5
  • Article   138 5
  • Article   139 5
  • Chapter   28 Participation In Union Agencies and Programmes 5
  • Article   140 5
  • Article   141 5
  • Article   142 5
  • Title   V TRADE AND TRADE-RELATED MATTERS 5
  • Chapter   1 National Treatment and Market Access for Goods 5
  • Section   1 Common Provisions 5
  • Article   143 Objective 5
  • Article   144 Scope and Coverage 5
  • Section   2 Elimination of Customs Duties, Fees and other Charges 5
  • Article   145 Definition of Customs Duties 5
  • Article   146 Classification of Goods 5
  • Article   147 Elimination of Customs Duties on Imports 5
  • Article   148 Anti-circumvention Mechanism for Agricultural Products and Processed Agricultural Products 5
  • Article   149 Standstill 5
  • Article   150 Customs Duties on Exports 5
  • Article   151 Fees and other Charges 5
  • Section   3 Non-tariff Measures 5
  • Article   152 National Treatment 5
  • Article   153 Import and Export Restrictions 5
  • Section   4 Specific Provisions Related to Goods 5
  • Article   154 General Exceptions 5
  • Section   5 Administrative Cooperation and Coordination with other Countries 5
  • Article   155 Special Provisions on Administrative Cooperation 5
  • Article   156 Management of Administrative Errors 5
  • Article   157 Agreements with other Countries 5
  • Chapter   2 Trade Remedies 5
  • Section   1 Global Safeguard Measures 5
  • Article   158 5
  • Article   159 Transparency 5
  • Article   160 Application of Measures 6
  • Section   2 Anti-dumping and Countervailing Measures 6
  • Article   161 General Provisions 6
  • Article   162 Transparency 6
  • Article   163 Consideration of Public Interest 6
  • Article   164 Lesser Duty Rule 6
  • Section   3 Bilateral Safeguard Measures 6
  • Article   165 Application of a Bilateral Safeguard Measure 6
  • Article   166 Conditions and Limitations 6
  • Article   167 Provisional Measures 6
  • Article   168 Compensation 6
  • Article   169 Definitions 6
  • Chapter   3 Technical Barriers to Trade, Standardisation, Metrology, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment 6
  • Article   170 Scope and Definitions 6
  • Article   171 Affirmation of the TBT Agreement 6
  • Article   172 Technical Cooperation 6
  • Article   173 Approximation of Technical Regulations, Standards, and Conformity Assessment 6
  • Article   174 Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products (ACAA) 6
  • Article   175 Marking and Labelling 6
  • Chapter   4 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 6
  • Article   176 Objective 6
  • Article   177 Multilateral Obligations 6
  • Article   178 Scope 6
  • Article   179 Definitions 6
  • Article   180 Competent Authorities 6
  • Article   181 Gradual Approximation 6
  • Article   182 Recognition for Trade Purposes of Animal Health and Pest Status and Regional Conditions Recognition of Status for Animal Diseases, Infections In Animals or Pests 6
  • Article   183 Recognition of Equivalence 7
  • Article   184 Transparency and Exchange of Information 7
  • Article   185 Notification, Consultation and Facilitation of Communication 7
  • Article   186 Trade Conditions 7
  • Article   187 Certification Procedure 7
  • Article   188 Verification 7
  • Article   189 Import Checks and Inspection Fees 7
  • Article   190 Safeguard Measures 7
  • Article   191 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sub-Committee 7
  • Chapter   5 Customs and Trade Facilitation 7
  • Article   192 Objectives 7
  • Article   193 Legislation and Procedures 7
  • Article   194 Relations with the Business Community 7
  • Article   195 Fees and Charges 7
  • Article   196 Customs Valuation 7
  • Article   197 Customs Cooperation 7
  • Article   198 Mutual Administrative Assistance In Customs Matters 8
  • Article   199 Technical Assistance and Capacity Building 8
  • Article   200 Customs Sub-Committee 8
  • Article   201 Approximation of Customs Legislation 8
  • Chapter   6 Establishment, Trade In Services and Electronic Commerce 8
  • Section   1 General Provisions 8
  • Article   202 Objective, Scope and Coverage 8
  • Article   203 Definitions 8
  • Section   2 Establishment 8
  • Article   204 Scope 8
  • Article   205 National Treatment and Most-favoured-nation Treatment 8
  • Article   206 Review 8
  • Article   207 Other Agreements 8
  • Article   208 Standard of Treatment for Branches and Representative Offices 8
  • Section   3 Cross-border Supply of Services 8
  • Article   209 Scope 8
  • Article   210 Market Access 8
  • Article   211 National Treatment 8
  • Article   212 Lists of Commitments 8
  • Article   213 Review 8
  • Section   4 Temporary Presence of Natural Persons for Business Purposes 8
  • Article   214 Scope and Definitions 8
  • Article   215 Key Personnel and Graduate Trainees 9
  • Article   216 Business Sellers 9
  • Article   217 Contractual Service Suppliers 9
  • Article   218 Independent Professionals 9
  • Section   5 Regulatory Framework 9
  • Subsection   1 Domestic Regulation 9
  • Article   219 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   220 Conditions for Licencing and Qualification 9
  • Article   221 Licencing and Qualification Procedures 9
  • Subsection   2 Provisions of General Application 9
  • Article   222 Mutual Recognition 9
  • Article   223 Transparency and Disclosure of Confidential Information 9
  • Subsection   3 Computer Services 9
  • Article   224 Understanding on Computer Services 9
  • Subsection   4 Postal and Courier Services 9
  • Article   225 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   226 Prevention of Anti-competitive Practices In the Postal and Courier Sector 9
  • Article   227 Universal Service 9
  • Article   228 Licences 9
  • Article   229 Independence of the Regulatory Body 9
  • Article   230 Gradual Approximation 9
  • Subsection   5 Electronic Communication Networks and Services 9
  • Article   231 Scope and Definitions 9
  • Article   232 Regulatory Authority 9
  • Article   233 Authorisation to Provide Electronic Communication Services 9
  • Article   234 Access and Interconnection 9
  • Article   235 Scarce Resources 10
  • Article   236 Universal Service 10
  • Article   237 Cross-border Provision of Electronic Communication Services 10
  • Article   238 Confidentiality of Information 10
  • Article   239 Disputes between Services Suppliers 10
  • Article   240 Gradual Approximation 10
  • Subsection   6 Financial Services 10
  • Article   241 Scope and Definition 10
  • Article   242 Prudential Carve-out 10
  • Article   243 Effective and Transparent Regulation 10
  • Article   244 New Financial Services 10
  • Article   245 Data Processing 10
  • Article   246 Specific Exceptions 10
  • Article   247 Self-regulatory Organisations 10
  • Article   248 Clearing and Payment Systems 10
  • Article   249 Gradual Approximation 10
  • Subsection   7 Transport Services 10
  • Article   250 Scope 10
  • Article   251 International Maritime Transport 10
  • Article   252 Air Transport 10
  • Article   253 Gradual Approximation 10
  • Subsection   6 Electronic Commerce 10
  • Subsection   1 General Provisions 10
  • Article   254 Objective and Principles 10
  • Article   255 Cooperation In Electronic Commerce 10
  • Subsection   2 Liability of Intermediary Service Providers 10
  • Article   256 Use of Intermediaries' Services 10
  • Article   257 Liability of Intermediary Service Providers: "Mere Conduit"™ 11
  • Article   258 Liability of Intermediary Service Providers: "caching" 11
  • Article   259 Liability of Intermediary Service Providers: "hosting" 11
  • Article   260 No General Obligation to Monitor 11
  • Section   7 Exceptions 11
  • Article   261 General Exceptions 11
  • Article   262 Taxation Measures 11
  • Article   263 Security Exceptions 11
  • Chapter   7 Current Payments and Movement of Capital 11
  • Article   264 Current Payments 11
  • Article   265 Capital Movements 11
  • Article   266 Safeguard Measures 11
  • Article   267 Facilitation and Evolution Provisions 11
  • Chapter   8 Public Procurement 11
  • Article   268 Objectives 11
  • Article   269 Scope 11
  • Article   270 Institutional Background 11
  • Article   271 Basic Standards Regulating the Award of Contracts 11
  • Article   272 Planning of Gradual Approximation 11
  • Article   273 Gradual Approximation 11
  • Article   274 Market Access 11
  • Article   275 Information 11
  • Article   276 Cooperation 11
  • Chapter   9 Intellectual Property Rights 11
  • Section   1 General Provisions and Principles 11
  • Article   277 Objectives 11
  • Article   278 Nature and Scope of Obligations 11
  • Article   279 Exhaustion 11
  • Section   2 Standards Concerning Intellectual Property Rights 11
  • Subsection   1 Copyright and Related Rights 11
  • Article   280 Protection Granted 11
  • Article   281 Authors 11
  • Article   282 Performers 12
  • Article   283 Producers of Phonograms 12
  • Article   284 Broadcasting Organisations 12
  • Article   285 Broadcasting and Communication to the Public 12
  • Article   286 Term of Protection 12
  • Article   287 Protection of Technological Measures 12
  • Article   288 Protection of Rights Management Information 12
  • Article   289 Exceptions and Limitations 12
  • Article   290 Artists' Resale Right In Works of Art 12
  • Subsection   2 Trademarks 12
  • Article   292 International Agreements 12
  • Article   293 Registration Procedure 12
  • Article   294 Well-known Trademarks 12
  • Article   295 Exceptions to the Rights Conferred by a Trademark 12
  • Subsection   3 Geographical Indications 12
  • Article   296 Scope 12
  • Article   297 Established Geographical Indications 12
  • Article   298 Addition of New Geographical Indications 12
  • Article   299 Scope of Protection of Geographical Indications 12
  • Article   300 Right of Use of Geographical Indications 12
  • Article   301 Enforcement of Protection 12
  • Article   302 Implementation of Complementary Actions 12
  • Article   303 Relationship with Trademarks 12
  • Article   304 General Rules 12
  • Article   305 Cooperation and Transparency 12
  • Article   306 Geographical Indications Sub-Committee 12
  • Subsection   4 Designs 12
  • Article   307 International Agreements 12
  • Article   308 Protection of Registered Designs 12
  • Article   309 Protection Conferred to Unregistered Designs 12
  • Article   310 Exceptions and Exclusions 12
  • Article   311 Relationship to Copyright 13
  • Subsection   5 Patents 13
  • Article   312 International Agreements 13
  • Article   313 Patents and Public Health 13
  • Article   314 Supplementary Protection Certificate 13
  • Article   315 Protection of Data Submitted to Obtain an Authorisation to Put a Medicinal Product on the Market 13
  • Article   316 Data Protection on Plant Protection Products 13
  • Article   317 Plant Varieties 13
  • Section   3 Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights 13
  • Article   318 General Obligations 13
  • Article   319 Entitled Applicants 13
  • Subsection   1 Civil Enforcement 13
  • Article   320 Measures for Preserving Evidence 13
  • Article   321 Right of Information 13
  • Article   322 Provisional and Precautionary Measures 13
  • Article   323 Corrective Measures 13
  • Article   324 Injunctions 13
  • Article   325 Alternative Measures 13
  • Article   326 Damages 13
  • Article   327 Legal Costs 13
  • Article   328 Publication of Judicial Decisions 13
  • Article   329 Presumption of Authorship or Ownership 13
  • Subsection   2 Other Provisions 13
  • Article   330 Border Measures 13
  • Article   331 Codes of Conduct 13
  • Article   332 Cooperation 13
  • Chapter   10 Competition 13
  • Section   1 Antitrust and Mergers 13
  • Article   333 Definitions 13
  • Article   334 Principles 13
  • Article   335 Implementation 13
  • Article   336 State Monopolies, Public Undertakings and Undertakings Entrusted with Special or Exclusive Rights 13
  • Article   337 Cooperation and Exchange of Information 13
  • Article   338 Dispute Settlement 13
  • Section   2 State Aid 13
  • Article   339 General Principles and Scope 13
  • Article   342 Transparency 14
  • Article   343 Confidentiality 14
  • Article   344 Review Clause 14
  • Chapter   11 Trade-related Energy 14
  • Article   345 Definitions 14
  • Article   346 Domestic Regulated Prices 14
  • Article   347 Prohibition of Dual Pricing 14
  • Article   348 Transit 14
  • Article   349 Transport 14
  • Article   350 Unauthorised Taking of Goods In Transit 14
  • Article   351 Uninterrupted Transit 14
  • Article   352 Transit Obligation for Operators 14
  • Article   353 Regulatory Authority for Electricity and Natural Gas 14
  • Article   354 Relationship with the Energy Community Treaty 14
  • Chapter   12 Transparency 14
  • Article   355 Definitions 14
  • Article   356 Objective and Scope 14
  • Article   357 Publication 14
  • Article   358 Enquiries and Contact Points 14
  • Article   359 Administration of Measures of General Application 14
  • Article   360 Review and Appeal 14
  • Article   361 Regulatory Quality and Performance and Good Administrative Behaviour 14
  • Article   362 Specific Rules 14
  • Chapter   13 Trade and Sustainable Development 14
  • Article   363 Context and Objectives 14
  • Article   364 Right to Regulate and Levels of Protection 14
  • Article   365 Multilateral Labour Standards and Agreements 14
  • Article   366 Multilateral Environmental Governance and Agreements 14
  • Article   367 Trade and Investment Promoting Sustainable Development 14
  • Article   368 Biological Diversity 14
  • Article   369 Sustainable Management of Forests and Trade In Forest Products 14
  • Article   370 Trade In Fish Products 14
  • Article   371 Upholding Levels of Protection 14
  • Article   372 Scientific Information 14
  • Article   373 Transparency 14
  • Article   374 Review of Sustainability Impacts 14
  • Article   375 Working Together on Trade and Sustainable Development 14
  • Article   376 Institutional and Overseeing Mechanisms 15
  • Article   377 Joint Civil Society Dialogue Forum 15
  • Article   378 Government Consultations 15
  • Article   379 Panel of Experts 15
  • Chapter   14 Dispute Settlement 15
  • Section   1 Objective and Scope 15
  • Article   380 Objective 15
  • Article   381 Scope of Application 15
  • Section   2 Consultations and Mediation 15
  • Article   382 Consultations 15
  • Article   383 Mediation 15
  • Section   3 Dispute Settlement Procedures 15
  • Subsection   1 Arbitration Procedure 15
  • Article   384 Initiation of the Arbitration Procedure 15
  • Article   385 Establishment of the Arbitration Panel 15
  • Article   386 Preliminary Ruling on Urgency 15
  • Article   387 Arbitration Panel Report 15
  • Article   388 Conciliation for Urgent Energy Disputes 15
  • Article   389 Notification of the Ruling of the Arbitration Panel 15
  • Subsection   2 Compliance 15
  • Article   390 Compliance with the Arbitration Panel Ruling 15
  • Article   391 Reasonable Period of Time for Compliance 15
  • Article   392 Review of Any Measure Taken to Comply with the Arbitration Panel Ruling 15
  • Article   393 Temporary Remedies In Case of Non-compliance 15
  • Article   394 Remedies for Urgent Energy Disputes 15
  • Article   395 Review of Any Measure Taken to Comply after the Adoption of Temporary Remedies for Non-compliance 15
  • Subsection   3 Common Provisions 15
  • Article   396 Replacement of Arbitrators 15
  • Article   397 Suspension and Termination of Arbitration and Compliance Procedures 15
  • Article   398 Mutually Agreed Solution 15
  • Article   399 Rules of Procedure 15
  • Article   400 Information and Technical Advice 15
  • Article   401 Rules of Interpretation 15
  • Article   402 Decisions and Rulings of the Arbitration Panel 15
  • Article   403 Referrals to the Court of Justice of the European Union 15
  • Section   4 General Provisions Article 404 Lists of Arbitrators 15
  • Article   405 Relation with WTO Obligations 15
  • Article   406 Time-limits 15
  • Chapter   15 General Provisions on Approximation Under Title V 15
  • Article   407 Progress In Approximation In Trade-related Areas 15
  • Article   408 Repeal of Inconsistent Domestic Law 16
  • Article   409 Assessment of Approximation In Trade-related Areas 16
  • Article   410 Developments Relevant to Approximation 16
  • Article   411 Exchange of Information 16
  • Article   412 General Provision 16
  • Title   VI FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND ANTI-FRAUD AND CONTROL PROVISIONS 16
  • Chapter   1 Financial Assistance 16
  • Article   413 16
  • Article   414 16
  • Article   415 16
  • Article   416 16
  • Article   417 16
  • Article   418 16
  • Article   419 16
  • Chapter   2 Anti-fraud and Control Provisions 16
  • Article   420 Definitions 16
  • Article   421 Scope 16
  • Article   422 Measures to Prevent and Fight Fraud, Corruption and Any other Illegal Activities 16
  • Article   423 Exchange of Information and Further Cooperation at Operational Level 16
  • Article   424 Prevention of Irregularities, Fraud and Corruption 16
  • Article   425 Investigation and Prosecution 16
  • Article   426 Communication of Fraud, Corruption and Irregularities 16
  • Article   427 Audits 16
  • Article   428 On-the-spot Checks 16
  • Article   429 Administrative Measures and Penalties 16
  • Article   430 Recovery 16
  • Article   431 Confidentiality 16
  • Article   432 16
  • Title   VII INSTITUTIONAL, GENERAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS 16
  • Chapter   1 Institutional Framework 16
  • Article   433 16
  • Article   434 16
  • Article   435 16
  • Article   436 16
  • Article   437 16
  • Article   438 16
  • Article   439 16
  • Article   440 16
  • Article   441 16
  • Article   442 16
  • Article   443 16
  • Chapter   2 General and Final Provisions 16
  • Article   444 Access to Courts and Administrative Organs 16
  • Article   445 Access to Official Documents 16
  • Article   446 Security Exceptions 16
  • Article   447 Non-discrimination 17
  • Article   448 Gradual Approximation 17
  • Article   449 Dynamic Approximation 17
  • Article   450 Monitoring 17
  • Article   451 Assessment of Approximation 17
  • Article   452 Results of Monitoring, Including Assessments of Approximation 17
  • Article   453 Fulfilment of Obligations 17
  • Article   454 Dispute Settlement 17
  • Article   455 Appropriate Measures In Case of Non-fulfilment of Obligations 17
  • Article   456 Relation to other Agreements 17
  • Article   457 17
  • Article   458 17
  • Article   459 Annexes and Protocols 17
  • Article   460 Duration 17
  • Article   461 Definition of the Parties 17
  • Article   462 Territorial Application 17
  • Article   463 Depositary of this Agreement 17
  • Article   464 Entry Into Force and Provisional Application 17
  • Article   465 Authentic Texts 17
  • ANNEX XXVII  LIST OF RESERVATIONS ON ESTABLISHMENT; LIST OF COMMITMENTS ON CROSS-BORDER SUPPLY OF SERVICES; LIST OF RESERVATIONS ON KEY PERSONNEL, GRADUATE TRAINEES AND BUSINESS SELLERS; LIST OF RESERVATIONS ON CONTRACTUAL SERVICES SUPPLIERS AND INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONALS 17
  • ANNEX XXVII-A  LIST OF RESERVATIONS ON ESTABLISHMENT (UNION) 18
  • ANNEX XXVII-E  LIST OF RESERVATIONS ON ESTABLISHMENT (REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA) 19
  • ANNEX XXXII  MEDIATION MECHANISM 19
  • 1 Objective 19
  • Section   1 Procedure Under the Mediation Mechanism 19
  • 2 Request for Information 19
  • 3 Initiation of the Procedure 19
  • 4 Selection of the Mediator 19
  • 5 Rules of the Mediation Procedure 20
  • Section   2 Implementation 20
  • 6 Implementation of a Mutually Agreed Solution 20
  • Section   3 General Provisions 20
  • 7 Confidentiality and Relationship to Dispute Settlement 20
  • 8 Time Limits 20
  • 9 Costs 20
  • ANNEX XXXIII  RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR DISPUTE SETTLEMENT 20
  • ANNEX XXXIV  CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ARBITRATORS AND MEDIATORS 20