In conformity with its commitment to peace and stability, and to the development of good neighbourly relations, Croatia will actively promote regional cooperation. The Community will also support projects having a regional or cross-border dimension through its technical assistance programmes.
Whenever Croatia envisages to reinforcing its cooperation with one of the countries mentioned in Articles 12 to 14 below, it shall inform and consult the Community and its Member States in accordance with the provisions laid down in Title X.
Cooperation with other countries having signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement
After the signature of this Agreement, Croatia shall start negotiations with the country or the countries which have already signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with a view to concluding bilateral conventions on regional cooperation, the aim of which will be to enhance the scope of cooperation between the countries concerned.
The main elements of these conventions will be:
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political dialogue;
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the establishment of a free trade area between the parties, consistent with the relevant WTO provisions;
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mutual concessions concerning the movement of workers, establishment, supply of services, current payments and movement of capital as well as other policies related to the movement of persons at an equivalent level to that of this Agreement;
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provisions on cooperation in other fields whether or not covered by this Agreement, and notably the field of Justice and Home Affairs.
These conventions will contain provisions for the creation of the necessary institutional mechanisms, as appropriate.
These conventions shall be concluded within two years after the entry into force of this Agreement. Readiness by Croatia to conclude such conventions will be a condition for the further development of the relations between Croatia and the European Union.
Cooperation with other countries concerned by the Stabilisation and Association Process
Croatia shall engage in regional cooperation with the other countries concerned by the Stabilisation and Association Process in some or all the fields of cooperation covered by this Agreement, and notably those of common interest. Such cooperation should be compatible with the principles and objectives of this Agreement.
Cooperation with countries candidates for EU accession
Croatia may foster its cooperation and conclude a convention on regional cooperation with any country candidate for EU accession in any of the fields of cooperation covered by this Agreement. Such convention should aim gradually to align bilateral relations between Croatia and that country to the relevant part of the relations between the European Community and its Member States and that country.
