Third countries associated with the Programme
Article 7
1. The Programme or specific actions referred to in Article 10 may be opened to the participation of the following third countries through full or partial association with the Programme, in accordance with the objectives laid down in Article 3 and the applicable international agreements or any decisions adopted under those agreements: (a) members of the European Free Trade Association that are members of the European Economic Area; (b) Ukraine, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement. 2. The association agreements for participation in the Programme with the countries referred to in paragraph 1 shall: (a) ensure a fair balance as regards the contributions and benefits of the third country participating in the Programme; (b) lay down the conditions for participation in the Programme, including the calculation of financial contributions, consisting of an operational contribution and a participation fee for the Programme and its general administrative costs; (c) not confer on the third country any decision-making power in the Programme; (d) guarantee the rights of the Union to ensure sound financial management and to protect its financial interests; and (e) ensure the protection of the security and public order interests of the Union. 3. For the purposes of paragraph 2, point (d), the associated third country shall: (a) grant the necessary rights and access required under Regulations (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 and (EU, Euratom) No 883/2013; (b) guarantee that enforcement decisions imposing a pecuniary obligation on the basis of Article 299 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and judgments and orders of the Court of Justice of the European Union are enforceable; and (c) ensure that its competent authorities cooperate with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in the investigations and prosecutions of criminal offences affecting the Union’s financial interests in accordance with the applicable international agreements or other applicable rules.