Argentina and the European Union (EU) develop their bilateral relations under the Framework Trade and Cooperation Agreement of 1990, which establishes the bases for cooperation in foreign trade, the economy, agriculture and industry.
Under this framework agreement, specific cooperation agreements have been reached concerning fishing (1993), the peaceful use of nuclear energy (1997) and concerning scientific and technological cooperation (1999), all of which have guided bilateral relations.
Also, the Joint Commission responsible for overseeing the agreement and promoting the relationship has encouraged dialogue regarding sectoral policies, which have been focused on the issue of regional development and international cooperation, among other subjects.
As a member country of the Mercosur trading block, bilateral relations between Argentina and the EU are also subject to the Interregional Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur of 1995, which promotes the growth and diversification of trade and lays foundations for the future creation of an interregional political and economic association based on three core issues:
- Strengthening political dialogue,
- Liberalising trade in a progressive and reciprocal manner, and
- Advancing regional cooperation.