(d) the improvement of the efficiency of the markets, in particular by promoting producer organisations and providing information to consumers, and through marketing standards and traceability;
(e) the sustainable development of areas with lake shore or including ponds or a river estuary and with a significant level of employment in the fisheries sector; and
(f) institutional exchange of experience on sustainable aquaculture legislation and its practical implementation in natural basins and artificial lakes.
Article 75.
Taking into account their cooperation in the areas of fisheries, transport, environment and other sea-related policies, the Parties shall also cooperate and provide mutual support, when appropriate, with regard to maritime issues, in particular by actively supporting an integrated approach to maritime affairs and good governance in the relevant regional and international fora.
Chapter 12. Mining
Article 76.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation in the areas of mining and the production of raw materials, with the objectives of promoting mutual understanding, improving the business environment, exchanging information and cooperating on non-energy issues relating in particular to the mining of metallic ores and industrial minerals.
Article 77.
The Parties shall cooperate in order to:
(a) exchange information on the developments in their mining and raw-material sectors;
(b) exchange information on matters related to trade in raw materials with the aim of promoting bilateral exchanges;
(c) exchange information and best practices in relation to the sustainable development of the mining industries; and
(d) exchange information and best practices in relation to training, skills and safety in the mining industries.
Chapter 13. Cooperation In Research and Innovation
Article 78.
The Parties shall promote cooperation in all areas of civil scientific research, technological development and innovation on the basis of mutual benefit and subject to appropriate and effective protection of intellectual property rights.
Article 79.
Cooperation referred to in Article 78 shall cover:
(a) policy dialogue and the exchange of scientific and technological information;
(b) the facilitation of adequate access to the respective programmes of each Party;
(c) initiatives to increase research capacity and the participation of research entities from the Republic of Armenia in the research framework programme of the European Union;
(d) the promotion of joint projects for research in all areas of research and innovation;
(e) training activities and mobility programmes for scientists, researchers and other research staff engaged in research and innovation activities on both sides;
(f) the facilitation, within the framework of applicable legislation, of 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 research and innovation on the basis of mutual agreement.
Article 80.
In carrying out such cooperation activities, synergies should be sought with activities funded by the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC) and other activities carried out within the framework of financial cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia as stipulated in Chapter 1 of Title VII.
Chapter 14. Consumer Protection
Article 81.
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 82.
Where appropriate, cooperation may comprise:
(a) aiming at approximation of the Republic of Armenia's consumer legislation to that of the European Union, while avoiding barriers to trade;
(b) promoting the exchange of information on consumer protection systems, including consumer legislation and its enforcement, consumer product safety, information exchange systems, consumer education and empowerment, and consumer redress;
(c) training activities for administration officials and other consumer interest representatives; and
(d) encouraging the development of independent consumer associations and contacts between consumer representatives.
Article 83.
The Republic of Armenia shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the European Union acts and international instruments referred to in Annex VI in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 15. Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities
Article 84.
The Parties shall strengthen their dialogue and cooperation on promoting the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Decent Work Agenda, employment policy, health and safety at work, social dialogue, social protection, social inclusion, gender equality and anti-discrimination, and thereby contribute to the promotion of more and better jobs, poverty reduction, enhanced social cohesion, sustainable development and improved quality of life.
Article 85.
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 reducing the informal economy and informal employment;
(c) promoting active labour market measures and efficient employment services to modernise the labour markets and to adapt to labour market needs;
(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 antidiscrimination, aiming at enhancing gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities between women and men, 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 modernising 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) promoting corporate social responsibility.
Article 86.
The Parties shall encourage the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including civil-society organisations and in particular social partners, in the policy development and reforms of the Republic of Armenia and in the cooperation between the Parties under this Agreement.
Article 87.
The Parties shall aim to enhance cooperation on employment and social policy matters in all relevant regional, multilateral and international fora and organisations.
Article 88.
The Parties shall promote corporate social responsibility and accountability and encourage responsible business practices, such as those promoted by the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Global Compact, the ILO tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy, and ISO 26000.
Article 89.
A regular dialogue shall take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Article 90.
Armenia shall carry out approximation of its legislation to the European Union acts and international instruments referred to in Annex VII in accordance with the provisions of that Annex.
Chapter 16. Cooperation In the Area of Health
Article 91.
The Parties shall develop their cooperation in the field of public health with a view to raising the level of, in line with common health values and principles, and as a precondition for sustainable development and economic growth.
Article 92.
Cooperation shall address the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, including through the exchange of health information, the promotion of a health-in-all- policies approach, cooperation with international organisations, in particular the World Health Organization, and the promotion of the implementation of international health agreements such as the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of 2003 and the International Health Regulations.
Chapter 17. Education, Training and Youth
Article 93.
The Parties shall collaborate in the field of education and training to intensify cooperation and policy dialogue with a view to approximating the education and training systems in the Republic of Armenia with policies and practices of the European Union. 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 vocational and higher education.
Article 94.
Cooperation in the field of education and training shall focus, inter alia, on:
(a) promoting lifelong learning, which is key to growth and jobs and can allow citizens to participate fully in society;
(b) modernising education and training systems, including training systems for public/civil servants, and enhancing quality, relevance and access throughout the education ladder, from early childhood education and care to tertiary education;
(c) promoting convergence and coordinated reforms in higher education in line with the European Union Agenda for Higher Education and the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process);
(d) reinforcing international academic cooperation, increasing participation in cooperation programmes of the European Union and improving student and teacher mobility;
(e) encouraging the learning of foreign languages;
(f) developing the national qualifications framework to improve the transparency and recognition of qualifications and competences within the European Network of Information Centres and National Academic Recognition Information Centres (ENIC-NARIC) community aligned with the European Qualifications Framework;
(g) enhancing cooperation to further develop vocational education and training, while taking into consideration good practice in the European Union; and
(h) reinforcing understanding and knowledge of the European integration process, the academic dialogue on EU-Eastern Partnership relations, and participation in relevant programmes of the European Union, including in the field of civil service.
Article 95.
The parties agree to collaborate in the field of youth to:
(a) reinforce cooperation and exchanges in the fields of youth policy and non-formal education for young people and youth workers;
(b) facilitate the active participation of all young people in society;
(c) support mobility for young people and youth workers as a means of promoting intercultural dialogue and the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences outside the formal educational systems, including through volunteering; and
(d) promote cooperation between youth organisations to support civil society.
Chapter 18. Cooperation In the Cultural Field
Article 96.
The Parties will promote cultural cooperation in accordance with 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 European Union and the Republic of Armenia. Cooperation between the Parties will foster intercultural dialogue, including through the participation of the culture sector and civil society from the European Union and the Republic of Armenia.
Article 97.
Cooperation shall focus on, inter alia:
(a) cultural cooperation and cultural exchanges;
(b) the mobility of art and artists and the strengthening of the capacity of the cultural sector;
(c) intercultural dialogue;
(d) cultural policy dialogue;
(e) the Creative Europe Programme; and
(f) cooperation in international fora such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe in order to support cultural diversity and preserve and valorise cultural and historical heritage.
Chapter 19. Cooperation In the Audiovisual and Media Fields
Article 98.
The Parties will promote cooperation in the audiovisual field. Cooperation shall strengthen the audiovisual industries in the European Union and the Republic of Armenia, in particular through training of professionals and the exchange of information.
Article 99.
1. The Parties shall develop a regular dialogue with regard to audiovisual and media policies and cooperate to reinforce independence and professionalism of the media as well as links with media in the European Union in compliance with European standards, including those 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 cover, inter alia, the issue of the training of journalists and other media professionals, as well as support to the media.
Article 100.
Cooperation shall focus on, inter alia:
(a) policy dialogue on audiovisual and media policies;
(b) cooperation in international fora (such as UNESCO and the WTO); and
(c) audiovisual and media cooperation, including cooperation in the field of cinema.
Chapter 20. Cooperation In the Field of Sport and Physical Activity
Article 101.
The Parties shall promote cooperation in the field of sport and physical activity, in particular through the exchange of information and good practices in order to promote a healthy lifestyle, good governance as well as the social and educational values of sport and in order to fight against threats to sport such as doping, match-fixing, racism and violence within the European Union and the Republic of Armenia.
Chapter 21. Civil-society Cooperation
Article 102.
The Parties shall establish a dialogue on civil-society cooperation, with the following objectives:
(a) to strengthen contacts and the exchange of information and experience between all sectors of civil society in the European Union and in the Republic of Armenia;
(b) to ensure a better knowledge and understanding of the Republic of Armenia, including its history and culture, in the European Union and in particular among civil-society organisations based in Member States, thus allowing for a better awareness of the opportunities and challenges for future relations; and
(c) to ensure a better knowledge and understanding of the European Union in the Republic of Armenia and in particular among civil-society organisations in the Republic of Armenia, with a non-exclusive focus on the values on which the European Union is founded, its policies and its functioning.
Article 103.
1. The Parties shall promote dialogue and cooperation between civil-society stakeholders from both sides as an integral part of the relations between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia.
2. The aims of such dialogue and cooperation are:
(a) to ensure involvement of civil society in relations between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia;
(b) to enhance civil-society participation in the public decision-making process, in particular by establishing an open, transparent and regular dialogue between, on the one hand, public institutions and, on the other, representative associations and civil society;
(c) to facilitate the process of institution-building and the consolidation of civil-society organisations in various ways, including inter alia: advocacy support, informal and formal networking, mutual visits and workshops, in particular with a view to improving the 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 and social partners on the other side, in particular with a view to further integrating civil society into the public policy-making process in the Republic of Armenia.
Article 104.
A regular dialogue will take place between the Parties on the issues covered by this Chapter.
Chapter 22. Regional Development, Cross-border and Regional Level Cooperation
Article 105.
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 the exchange of information and experience between national, regional and local authorities, socio-economic actors and civil society.
2. In particular, the Parties shall cooperate with a view to aligning the practice of the Republic of Armenia with the following principles:
(a) strengthening multi-level governance in so far as it affects the central, regional and local level, with special emphasis on ways to enhance the involvement of regional and local stakeholders;
(b) consolidating the partnership between all stakeholders involved in regional development; and
(c) co-financing through financial contribution by the Parties involved in the implementation of regional development programmes and projects.
Article 106.
1. The Parties shall support and strengthen the involvement of local- and regional-level authorities in regional-policy cooperation, including cross-border 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 institutions of the Republic of Armenia in the fields of regional development and land-use planning by, inter alia:
(a) improving interinstitutional coordination, in particular the mechanism of vertical and horizontal interaction of central and local administration in the process of development and implementation of regional policies;
(b) developing the capacity of regional and local authorities to promote cross-border cooperation, taking into account regulations and practice of the European Union; and
(c) sharing knowledge, information and best practices on regional development policies to promote economic well-being for local communities and uniform development of the regions.
Article 107.
1. The Parties shall strengthen and encourage development of cross-border cooperation in other areas covered by this Agreement such as, infer alia, transport, energy, environment, communication networks, culture, education, tourism and health.
2. The Parties shall intensify cooperation between their regions in the form of transnational and inter-regional programmes, encouraging the participation of regions of the Republic of Armenia in European regional structures and organisations and promoting their economic and institutional development by implementing projects of common interest.
3. The activities referred to in paragraph 2 will take place in the context of:
(a) continuing territorial cooperation with European regions (including through transnational and cross-border cooperation programmes);
(b) cooperation within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and with bodies of the European Union 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 (EESC), and the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON).
Article 108.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by this Chapter.