Chile and the EU begin negotiations to modernize the association agreement

Chile and the European Union today formally started negotiations in Brussels to modernize the association agreement signed in 2002, the Chilean Foreign Ministry reported.

Santiago de Chile, Nov 16 (EFE) .- Chile and the European Union formally started negotiations in Brussels today to modernize the association agreement signed in 2002, informed the Chilean Chancellery.

The decision to update the agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to "deepen the already excellent bilateral relations and to open up new areas of collaboration, "said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chile and the EU want a" modernized, progressive and innovative "agreement that strengthens cooperation in areas such as research, employment, education, training for young people, ocean governance, digital politics and disaster prevention, among others.

In the commercial section, the current agreement of association has been a "great success", but after fourteen years of validity it no longer covers all issues related to investment and trade, said Chile.

Therefore, the new The agreement will include issues such as trade and sustainable development, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, anti-corruption measures and trade and gender.

The Council of the EU endorsed on Monday after the mandate for the European Commission to begin negotiations with the Chilean authorities.