With reference to Article 336 of this Agreement, and taking into account the best scientific advice, the Parties shall strengthen the cooperation and coordination of their activities in the field of management and conservation of living aquatic resources in the Black Sea. Both Parties will promote regional cooperation in the Black Sea and relations with relevant Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, as appropriate.
Article 338.
The Parties will support initiatives, such as mutual exchange of experience and providing support, in order to ensure the implementation of a policy ensuring sustainable fisheries, based on the EU acquis and priority areas of interest for the Parties in this field, including:
(a) management of living aquatic resources, fishing effort and technical measures;
(b) inspection and control of fishing activities, using the necessary surveillance equipment, including electronic monitoring devices and traceability tools, as well as ensuring enforceable legislation and control mechanisms;
(c) harmonised collection of compatible catch, landing, fleet, biological and economic data;
(d) management of fishing capacity, including a functioning fishing fleet register;
(e) market efficiency, in particular by promoting producer organisations, providing information to consumers and through marketing standards and traceability, and
(f) development of a structural policy for the fisheries sector providing sustainability in economic, environment and social terms. Maritime Policy
Article 339.
Taking into account their cooperation in the spheres of fisheries, sea-related transport, environment and other policies, and in accordance with the relevant international agreements on the law of the sea based on United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Parties shall also develop cooperation on an integrated maritime policy, in particular:
(a) promoting an integrated approach to maritime affairs, good governance and exchange of best practices in the use of the marine space;
(b) promoting maritime spatial planning as a tool contributing to improved decision-making for arbitrating between competing human activities, in line with the ecosystem approach;
(c) promoting integrated coastal zone management, in line with the ecosystem approach, to ensure sustainable coastal development and to enhance the resilience of coastal regions to coastal risks including the impacts of climate change;
(d) promoting innovation and resource efficiency in maritime industries as a generator of economic growth and employment, including through the exchange of best practices;
(e) promoting strategic alliances between maritime industries, services and scientific institutions specialising in marine and maritime research;
(f) endeavouring to enhance cross-border and cross-sectoral maritime surveillance in order to address the increasing risks related to intensive maritime traffic, operational discharges of vessels, maritime accidents and illegal activities at sea, and
(g) establishing a regular dialogue and promoting different networks between maritime stakeholders.
Article 340.
This cooperation shall include:
(a) exchange of information, best practices, experience and maritime ‘know-how' transfer, including on innovative technologies in maritime sectors and on marine environment issues;
(b) exchange of information and best practices on financing options for projects, including public-private partnerships, and
(c) enhancing cooperation between the Parties in the relevant international maritime fora. Regular dialogue on fisheries and maritime policies
Article 341.
A regular dialogue between the Parties will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 12. Cooperation In Research, Technological Development and Demonstration
Article 342.
The Parties shall promote cooperation in all areas of civil scientific research and technological development and demonstration (RTD) on the basis of mutual benefit and subject to appropriate and effective levels of protection of intellectual property rights.
Article 343.
Cooperation in RTD shall cover:
(a) policy dialogue and the exchange of scientific and technological information;
(b) facilitating adequate access to the respective programmes of the Parties;
(c) increasing research capacity and the participation of Georgian research entities in the research Framework Programme of the EU;
(d) the promotion of joint projects for research in all areas of RTD;
(e) training activities and mobility programmes for scientists, researchers and other research staff engaged in RTD activities of the Parties;
(f) facilitating, within the framework of applicable legislation, the free movement of research workers participating in the activities covered by this Agreement and the cross-border movement of goods intended for use in such activities, and
(g) other forms of cooperation in RTD on the basis of mutual agreement.
Article 344.
In carrying out such cooperation activities, synergies should be sought with the other activities carried out within the framework of financial cooperation between the EU and Georgia as stipulated in Title VII (Financial Assistance, and Anti- Fraud and Control Provisions) of this Agreement.
Chapter 13. Consumer Policy
Article 345.
The Parties shall cooperate in order to ensure a high level of consumer protection and to achieve compatibility between their systems of consumer protection.
Article 346.
In order to achieve these objectives the cooperation may comprise, when appropriate:
(a) aiming at approximation of consumer legislation while avoiding barriers to trade;
(b) promoting exchange of information on consumer protection systems, including consumer legislation and its enforcement, consumer product safety, information exchange systems, consumer education/awareness and empowerment, and consumer redress;
(c) training activities for administration officials and other consumer interest representatives, and
(d) fostering the activity of independent consumer associations and contacts between consumer representatives.
Article 347.
Georgia will carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXIX to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 14. Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities
Article 348.
The Parties shall strengthen their dialogue and cooperation on promoting the Decent Work Agenda, employment policy, health and safety at work, social dialogue, social protection, social inclusion, gender equality and anti-discrimination, and corporate social responsibility and thereby contribute to the promotion of more and better jobs, poverty reduction, enhanced social cohesion, sustainable development and improved quality of life.
Article 349.
Cooperation, based on exchange of information and best practices, may cover a selected number of issues to be identified among the following areas:
(a) poverty reduction and the enhancement of social cohesion;
(b) employment policy, aiming at more and better jobs with decent working conditions, including with a view to reduce the informal economy and informal employment;
(c) promoting active labour market measures and efficient employment services, as appropriate, to modernise the labour markets and to adapt to labour market needs of the Parties;
(d) fostering more inclusive labour markets and social safety systems that integrate disadvantaged people, including people with disabilities and people from minority groups;
(e) equal opportunities and anti-discrimination, aiming at enhancing gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities between men and women, as well as combating discrimination based on sex, racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation;
(f) social policy, aiming at enhancing the level of social protection and the social protection systems, in terms of quality, accessibility and financial sustainability;
(g) enhancing the participation of social partners and promoting social dialogue, including through strengthening the capacity of all relevant stakeholders;
(h) promoting health and safety at work, and
(i) awareness and dialogue in the field of corporate social responsibility.
Article 350.
The Parties shall encourage the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society organisations and in particular social partners, in policy development and reforms and in the cooperation between the Parties as provided for in the relevant part of Title VIII (Institutional, General and Final Provisions) of this Agreement.
Article 351.
The Parties shall aim at enhancing cooperation on employment and social policy matters in all relevant regional, multilateral and international fora and organisations.
Article 352.
The Parties shall promote corporate social responsibility and accountability and encourage responsible business practices, such as those promoted by a number of international corporate social responsibility guidelines and especially the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Article 353.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 354.
Georgia will carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXX to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 15. Public Health
Article 355.
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 an essential component for sustainable development and economic growth.
Article 356.
The cooperation shall cover the following areas, in particular:
(a) strengthening of the public health system of Georgia, in particular through continuing health sector reform, ensuring high-quality healthcare, development of human resources for health, improving health governance and healthcare financing;
(b) epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases, such as for example HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis as well as antimicrobial resistance, 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, physical activity and addressing major health determinants, such as nutrition, addiction to alcohol, drugs and tobacco;
(d) quality and safety of substances of human origin;
(e) health information and knowledge, and (f) effective implementation of international health agreements to which the Parties are party, in particular the International Health Regulations and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Article 357.
Georgia will carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXXI to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 16. Education, Training and Youth
Article 358.
The Parties shall cooperate in the field of education and training to intensify cooperation and dialogue, including dialogue on policy issues, seeking approximation to relevant EU policies and practices. The Parties shall cooperate to promote lifelong learning, encourage cooperation and transparency at all levels of education and training, with a special focus on higher education.
Article 359.
This cooperation in the field of education and training 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 throughout the education ladder from early childhood education and care to tertiary education;
(c) promoting quality in higher education in a manner which is consistent with the EU Modernisation Agenda for Higher Education and the Bologna process;
(d) reinforcing international academic cooperation, participation in EU cooperation programmes, increasing student and teacher mobility;
(e) encouraging the learning of foreign languages;
(f) promoting progress towards recognition of qualifications and competences and ensuring transparency in the area;
(g) promoting cooperation in vocational education and training, taking into consideration the relevant EU good practices, and
(h) reinforcing understanding and knowledge on the European integration process, the academic dialogue on EU-Eastern Partnership relations, and participation in relevant EU programmes.
Article 360.
The Parties agree to cooperate in the field of youth to:
(a) reinforce cooperation and exchanges in the field of youth policy and non-formal education for young people and youth workers;
(b) support young people and youth workers' mobility as a means to promote intercultural dialogue and the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences outside the formal educational systems, including through volunteering;
(c) promote cooperation between youth organisations.
Article 361.
Georgia will conduct and develop policy consistent with the framework of EU policies and practices with reference to documents in Annex XXXII to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 17. Cooperation In the Cultural Field
Article 362.
The Parties will promote cultural cooperation taking duly into account the principles enshrined in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions of 2005. The Parties will seek a regular policy dialogue in areas of mutual interest, including the development of cultural industries in the EU and Georgia. Cooperation between the Parties will foster intercultural dialogue, including through the participation of the culture sector and civil society from the EU and Georgia.
Article 363.
The Parties shall concentrate their cooperation in a number of fields:
(a) cultural cooperation and cultural exchanges;
(b) mobility of art and artists and strengthening of the capacity of the cultural sector;
(c) intercultural dialogue;
(d) dialogue on cultural policy, and
(e) cooperation in international fora such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe, inter alia, in order to foster cultural diversity, and preserve and valorise cultural and historical heritage.
Chapter 18. Cooperation In the Audiovisual and Media Fields
Article 364.
The Parties will promote cooperation in the audio-visual field. Cooperation shall strengthen the audio-visual industries in the EU and Georgia in particular through training of professionals, exchange of information and encouragement of co- productions in the fields of cinema and television.
Article 365.
1. The Parties shall develop a regular dialogue in the field of audio-visual and media policies and cooperate to reinforce independence and professionalism of the media as well as links with EU media in compliance with relevant European standards, including standards of the Council of Europe and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions of 2005.
2. Cooperation could include, inter alia, the issue of the training of journalists and other media professionals.
Article 366.
The Parties shall concentrate their cooperation on a number of fields:
(a) dialogue on audio-visual and media policies;
(b) dialogue in international fora (such as UNESCO and WTO), and
(c) audio-visual and media cooperation including cooperation in the field of cinema.
Article 367.
Georgia will carry out approximation of its legislation to the EU acts and international instruments referred to in Annex XXXIII to this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 19. Cooperation In the Field of Sport and Physical Activity
Article 368.
The Parties shall promote cooperation in the field of sport and physical activity through the exchange of information and good practices in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and the social and educational values of sport, mobility in sport and in order to fight global threats to sport such as doping, racism and violence.
Chapter 20. Civil Society Cooperation
Article 369.
The Parties shall enhance a dialogue on civil society cooperation, with the following objectives:
(a) to strengthen contacts and exchange of information and experience between all sectors of civil society in the EU and in Georgia;
(b) to ensure a better knowledge and understanding of Georgia, including its history and culture, in the EU and in particular among civil society organisations based in the Member States, thus allowing for a better awareness of the opportunities and challenges for future relations;
(c) reciprocally, to ensure a better knowledge and understanding of the EU in Georgia and in particular among Georgian civil society organisations, with a non-exclusive focus on the values on which the EU is founded, its policies and its functioning.
Article 370.
The Parties shall promote dialogue and cooperation between civil society stakeholders from both sides as an integral part of the relations between the EU and Georgia. The aims of such a dialogue and such cooperation are:
(a) to ensure involvement of civil society in EU-Georgia relations, in particular in the implementation of the provisions of this Agreement;
(b) to enhance civil society participation in the public decision-making process, particularly by maintaining an open, transparent and regular dialogue between the public institutions and representative associations and civil society;
(c) to facilitate an enabling environment for the institution-building and development of civil society organisations in various ways, including inter alia advocacy support, informal and formal networking, mutual visits and workshops enabling legal framework for civil society, and
(d) to enable civil society representatives from each side to become acquainted with the processes of consultation and dialogue between civil society, including social partners, and public authorities in particular with a view to strengthen civil society in the public policy-making process.
Article 371.
A regular dialogue will take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 21. Regional Development, Cross-border and Regional Level Cooperation
Article 372.
1. The Parties shall promote mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation in the field of regional development 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 and local authorities, socio-economic actors and civil society.
2. The Parties shall in particular cooperate with a view to aligning the Georgian practices with the following principles: