Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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Article 217 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that the Union may conclude with one or more third countries or international organisations agreements establishing an association involving reciprocal rights and obligations, common action and special procedure. The precise content of an association agreement, however, is not defined by the Treaty, and their nature, and terminology, may vary depending on the context in which they are used. Association agreements are just one particular category of international agreement entered into by the EU with third countries.

In addition to association agreements, the EU has also entered into a number of economic partnership agreements, political and cooperation agreements, framework agreements, free trade agreements, as well as sectorial agreements, with third countries.

A comprehensive database of agreements entered into by the EU is maintained by the General Secretariat of the Council of the EU and is available at www.consilium.europa.eu/en/documents-publications/treaties-agreements/.

The European Commission also maintains updated information as to the trade agreements entered into by the EU which is available at .

A list of Association Agreements entered into by the EU is as follows: