EU-Central America Association Agreement

The Association Agreement between the European Union and the six Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) constitutes the first inter-regional agreement celebrated by the EU, establishing comprehensive relations that encompass political dialogue, cooperation and free trade zone. Negotiated between 2007 and 2010 and signed in Honduras in June 2012, this agreement aims to consolidate democracy, promote regional integration and improve the security situation in Central America. The EU confirms itself as the main donor of official development aid in the Central American region, maintaining a historical commitment since the San José Dialogue initiated in 1984. The agreement contemplates the provisional application of the commercial part, which entered into force after the approval of the European Parliament on December 11, 2012.