(n) eco-innovation including best available technologies.
Article 88.
The Parties shall, inter alia:
(a) exchange information and expertise;
(b) implement joint research activities and exchange of information on cleaner technologies; (c) plan the handling of industrial hazards and accidents;
(d) implement joint activities at regional and international level, including with regard to multilateral environment agreements ratified by the Parties, and joint activities in the framework of relevant agencies, as appropriate.
The Parties shall pay special attention to transboundary issues and regional cooperation.
Article 89.
The cooperation shall cover, inter alia, the following objectives:
(a) development of an overall strategy on the environment, covering planned institutional reforms (with timetables) for ensuring implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation; division of competence for the environmental administration at national, regional and municipal levels; procedures for decision making and the implementation of decisions; procedures for the promotion of the integration of the environment into other policy areas; promotion of green economy measures and eco-innovation, identification of the necessary human and financial resources and a review mechanism; and
(b) development of sector strategies on air quality; water quality and resource management; waste and resource manage- ment; biodiversity and nature protection; industrial pollution and industrial hazards and chemicals, noise pollution, soil protection, urban and rural environment, eco-innovation including clearly defined timetables and milestones for implementation, administrative responsibilities, as well as financing strategies for investments for infrastructure and technology.
Article 90.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 91.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XI to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 17. Climate Action
Article 92.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation to combat climate change. Cooperation shall be conducted considering the interests of the Parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and taking into account the interdependence existing between bilateral and multilateral commitments in this field.
Article 93.
Cooperation shall promote measures at domestic, regional and international level, including in the areas of:
(a) mitigation of climate change;
(b) adaptation to climate change;
(c) carbon trading;
(d) research, development, demonstration, deployment and diffusion of safe and sustainable low-carbon and adaptation technologies;
(e) mainstreaming of climate considerations into sector policies; and
(f) awareness raising, education and training.
Article 94.
The Parties shall, inter alia:
(a) exchange information and expertise;
(b) implement joint research activities and exchanges of information on cleaner technologies;
(c) implement joint activities at regional and international level, including with regard to multilateral environment agreements ratified by the Parties, and joint activities in the framework of relevant agencies, as appropriate.
The Parties shall pay special attention to transboundary issues and regional cooperation.
Article 95.
The cooperation shall cover, among others, the development and implementation of:
(a) an overall climate strategy and action plan for the long-term mitigation of and adaptation to climate change;
(b) vulnerability and adaptation assessments;
(c) a National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change;
(d) a low-carbon development strategy;
(e) long-term measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases;
(f) measures to prepare for carbon trading;
(g) measures to promote technology transfer on the basis of a technology needs assessment;
(h) measures to mainstream climate considerations into sector policies; and
(i) measures related to ozone-depleting substances.
Article 96.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 97.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XII to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 18. Information Society
Article 98.
The Parties shall strengthen cooperation on the development of the Information Society to benefit citizens and businesses through the widespread availability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and through better quality of services at affordable prices. That cooperation should aim at facilitating access to electronic communications markets, encouraging competition and investment in the sector, and promoting the development of public services online.
Article 99.
Cooperation may cover the following subjects:
(a) exchange of information and best practices on the implementation of national Information Society strategies, including, inter alia, initiatives aiming at promoting broadband access, improving network security and developing public services online;
(b) exchange of information, best practices and experience to promote the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic communications, and in particular to strengthen the administrative capacity of the national administration in Information and Communication Technologies, as well as of the independent regulator, to foster a better use of spectrum resources and to promote interoperability of networks in the Republic of Moldova and with the EU;
(c) encouraging and promoting the implementation of ICT tools for a better governance, e-learning and research, public healthcare, digitisation of cultural heritage, development of e-content and electronic commerce; and
(d) enhancing the level of security of personal data and the protection of privacy in electronic communications.
Article 100.
The Parties shall promote cooperation between EU regulators and the national regulatory authorities of the Republic of Moldova in the field of electronic communications. The Parties shall also consider cooperation in other relevant areas, including through regional initiatives.
Article 101.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 102.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXVIII-B to this Agreement, according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 19. Tourism
Article 103.
The Parties shall cooperate in the field of tourism, with the aim of strengthening the development of a competitive and sustainable tourism industry as a generator of economic growth, empowerment, employment and foreign exchange.
Article 104.
Cooperation at bilateral, regional and European level would be based on the following principles:
(a) respect for the integrity and interests of local communities, particularly in rural areas;
(b) the importance of cultural heritage; and
(c) positive interaction between tourism and environmental preservation.
Article 105.
Cooperation shall focus on the following topics:
(a) exchange of information, best practices, experience and "know-how" transfer, including on innovative technologies;
(b) establishment of a strategic partnership between public, private and community interests in order to ensure the sustainable development of tourism;
(c) promotion and development of tourism products and markets, infrastructure, human resources and institutional structures as well as the identification and elimination of barriers to travel services;
(d) development and implementation of efficient policies and strategies including appropriate legal, administrative and financial aspects;
(e) tourism training and capacity building in order to improve service standards; and
(f) development and promotion of community-based tourism.
Article 106.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 20. Regional Development, Cross-border and Regional Level Cooperation
Article 107.
1. The Parties shall promote mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation in the field of regional policy, including methods of formulation and implementation of regional policies, multi-level governance and partnership, with special emphasis on the development of disadvantaged areas and territorial cooperation, with the objective of establishing channels of communication and enhancing exchange of information and experience between national, regional and local authorities, socioeconomic actors and civil society.
2. In particular the Parties shall cooperate with a view to aligning the practice of the Republic of Moldova with the following principles:
(a) decentralisation of the decision-making process, from the central level to the level of regional communities;
(b) consolidation of the partnership between all the parties involved in regional development; and
(c) co-financing through the financial contribution of the Parties involved in the implementation of regional develop- ment programmes and projects.
Article 108.
1. The Parties shall support and strengthen the involvement of local and regional level authorities in cross-border and regional cooperation and the related management structures, enhance cooperation through the establishment of an enabling legislative framework, sustain and develop capacity building measures and promote the strengthening of cross-border and regional economic and business networks.
2. The Parties will cooperate to consolidate the institutional and operational capacities of national and regional institutions in the fields of regional development and land use planning by, inter alia:
(a) improving the mechanism of vertical and horizontal interaction of central and local public administration in the process of development and implementation of regional policies;
(b) developing the capacity of local public authorities to promote cross-border cooperation in compliance with EU regulations and practices; and
(c) sharing knowledge, information and best practices on regional development policies to promote economic well-being for local communities and the uniform development of the regions.
Article 109.
1. The Parties shall strengthen and encourage development of cross-border and regional elements of, inter alia, transport, energy, communication networks, culture, education, tourism, health and other areas covered by this Agreement which have a bearing on cross-border and regional cooperation.
2. The Parties shall intensify cooperation between their regions in the form of transnational and cross-border programmes, encouraging the participation of regions of the Republic of Moldova in European regional structures and organisations and promoting their economic and institutional development by implementing projects of common interest.
Those activities will take place in the context of:
(a) continuing territorial cooperation with European regions, including through transnational and cross-border co-operation programmes;
(b) cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership, with EU bodies, including the Committee of the Regions, and participation in various European regional projects and initiatives; and
(c) cooperation with, inter alia, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA) and the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON).
Article 110.
1. The Parties shall intensify and ensure better coordination and cooperation between the countries and regions within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, focusing, inter alia, on improving transport and energy connections, environment, economic and social development and security which will contribute to faster road and rail transportation, cheaper and more secure energy, a better environment with cleaner water, protected biodiversity, and more efficient cross-border flood prevention.
2. The Parties shall increase the cross-border cooperation aiming at restoring the navigation on Prut river which will lead to flood prevention in the basin of the river, improving the water quality and agricultural irrigation, intensifying economic activities, promoting tourism and cultural activities and contributing to capacity building.
Article 111.
The Parties shall facilitate the movement of citizens of the EU and of the Republic of Moldova who are called upon to cross the border on a frequent basis and over short distances.
Article 112.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 21. Public Health
Article 113.
The Parties agree to develop their cooperation in the field of public health, with a view to raising the level of public health safety and protection of human health as a precondition for sustainable development and economic growth.
Article 114.
The cooperation shall cover, in particular, the following areas:
(a) strengthening of the public health system of the Republic of Moldova, in particular through implementing health sector reform, ensuring high-quality primary healthcare, and improving health governance and healthcare financing;
(b) epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis and tubercu- losis, as well as increased preparedness for public health threats and emergencies;
(c) prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, mainly through exchange of information and best practices, promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing major health determinants, such as nutrition and addiction to alcohol, drugs and tobacco;
(d) quality and safety of substances of human origin;
(e) health information and knowledge; and
(f) full and timely implementation of international health agreements, in particular the International Health Regulations and the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of 2003.
Article 115.
The cooperation shall enable:
(a) the progressive integration of the Republic of Moldova into the EU's health related networks; and
(b) the progressive enhancement of interaction between the Republic of Moldova and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Article 116.
The Republic of Moldova shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XIII to this Agreement according to the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 22. Civil Protection
Article 117.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on natural and man-made disasters. Cooperation shall be conducted considering the interests of the Parties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, as well as taking into account the interdependence existing between the Parties and multilateral activities in the field of civil protection.
Article 118.
Cooperation shall aim at improving the prevention of, preparation for and response to natural and man-made disasters.
Article 119.
The Parties shall, inter alia, exchange information and expertise and implement joint activities at national, regional and international level. Cooperation shall include the implementation of specific agreements and administrative arrangements in this field, concluded between the Parties according to the respective powers and competences of the EU and its Member States and in accordance with the legal procedures of the Parties.
Article 120.
The cooperation shall cover, amongst others, the following objectives:
(a) facilitating mutual assistance in case of emergencies;
(b) exchanging on a 24-hour basis early warnings and updated information on large scale emergencies affecting the EU or the Republic of Moldova, including requests for and offers of assistance;
(c) assessment of the environmental impact of disasters;
(d) inviting experts to specific technical workshops and symposia on civil protection issues;
(e) inviting, on a case by case basis, observers to specific exercises and trainings organised by the EU and/or the Republic of Moldova; and
(f) strengthening cooperation on the most effective use of available civil protection capabilities.
Article 121.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 23. Cooperation on Education, Training, Multilingualism, Youth and Sport
Article 122.
The Parties shall cooperate to promote lifelong learning and encourage cooperation and transparency at all levels of education and training, with a special focus on higher education.
Article 123.
That cooperation shall focus, inter alia, on the following areas:
(a) promoting lifelong learning, which is a key to growth and jobs and can allow citizens to participate fully in society;
(b) modernising education and training systems, enhancing quality, relevance and access;
(c) promoting convergence in higher education, deriving from the Bologna process and the EU higher education modernisation agenda;
(d) reinforcing international academic cooperation and participation in EU cooperation programmes, increasing student and teacher mobility;