The relations between the European Union and the Dominican Republic are framed in the Contonou Agreement, and agreement which seeks to promote democracy, respect for human rights, the eradication of poverty and the advantageous integration of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) in the global economy.
Along similar lines, the EU and the Dominican Republic redefined the strategic objectives of their bilateral relations in the National Indicative Programme 2014-2020, which is based on the following guidelines:
- to be allies on the world scene, jointly promoting global public welfare with particular focus on security and the environment;
- to promote regional integration;
- to facilitate the deeper integration of the Dominican Republic in the global economy, by expanding trade flows and investment agreements with the EU;
- to collaborate in the fight against poverty and exclusion;
- to work on their commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human Rights.
Regional Relations
The EU’s relations with Caribbean countries are complemented by the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement for trade and the Joint Caribbean-EU Partnership Strategy. The latter seeks to extend and improve political relations, traditionally based on development and cooperation, by providing greater political participation through five main lines of action:
- regional integration;
- reconstruction of Haiti;
- climate change and natural disasters;
- crime and security;
- joint action in multilateral forums.