Convergence-oriented participatory association Sample Clauses

Convergence-oriented participatory association values, gradual rapprochement, increasingly close and open-ended relationship Based on the values that inspired the creation of the European Un- ion itself and framed by a close and privileged relationship, the asso- ciation between the EU and Ukraine is meant to bring about gradual rapprochement (up to genuine convergence) and increasing alignment of Ukrainian politics with the policies of the European Union, includ- ing committal participation in their implementation via respective pro- grammes and agencies. Given the overall politically conditional nature of the political asso- ciation and economic integration of Ukraine with the European Union, which depends on progress in the implementation of the association agreement as well as ‘Ukraine’s track record in ensuring respect for com- mon values, and progress in achieving convergence with EU in political, economic and legal areas’ (Preamble, indent 8 EU-UA AA), this associa- tion is based on a regime of extended (and thus monitored and controlla- ble) – rather than simply exported – values of the European Union. Article 2 TEU determines that the Union is ‘founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities’ that ‘are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail’. Similarly, Ukraine and the EU are bound to be committed, via association links, to a ‘close and lasting relationship’ that is based on these values, namely ‘respect for democratic principles, the rule of law, good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to national minorities, non-dis- crimination of persons belonging to minorities and respect for diversity, [and] human dignity’ (Preamble, indent 2 EU-UA AA). ‘Commitment to the principles of a free market economy, which would facilitate the participa- tion of Ukraine in European policies’, which is added to the list of values within the same indent of the EU-Ukraine AA Preamble, as well as the an- choring thereof under the general principles section, pinpoints the over- arching and inseparable nature of the free market economy principles for 58 In contrast to a widely (mis)perceived understanding of association in purely political terms, this article elaborates on the integral conception of ‘association’ t...