Relations between the Central African Republic (CAR) and the European Union (EU) and its member countries are primarily governed by the Treaty of Lisbon and the Partnership Agreement between African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the EU (ACP-EU), or Cotonou Agreement. They are backed by regular political dialogue, as stipulated in Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement. This political dialogue covers the different aspects of development, including policies on peace-building, security, conflict prevention and resolution, regional cooperation, respect for human rights, democratic principles based on a constitutional state, and transparent and responsible management of public affairs, among other areas.
The Treaty of Lisbon and its implications for the EU's external policy
The EU's institutional and political reforms, introduced in December 2009 when the Treaty of Lisbon came into effect, made the external policies of the EU and its member countries more harmonised, notably regarding diplomacy, security, trade and development. The EU's external policy is "personified" by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini.
She is supported in her external work by the European External Action Service, set up in 2010. This is a true diplomatic service of the EU, and includes the EU Delegation to the CAR. Since January 2010, our Delegation has also represented the permanent local presidency of the EU in the CAR. Since the new European Commission was confirmed at the end of 2014, the portfolio for international cooperation and development has been held by former Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and the European Integration of Croatia, Mr Neven MIMICA.