Explanatory note

This Order declares the Framework Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Australia, of the other part, signed at Manila on 7th August 2017 (the Agreement), to be an EU Treaty as defined in section 1(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

The Agreement provides a legal framework to consolidate and strengthen cooperation between the European Union, its Member States and Australia in a range of sectors of mutual interest, including: promoting democratic principles and respect for human rights, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, combating illicit trade of small arms and light weapons, taking measures against the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, and combating terrorism.

The principal effect of declaring the Agreement to be an EU Treaty is that the provisions of section 2 of the European Communities Act 1972 (which provide for implementation of treaties specified in orders made under section 1(3) of that Act) apply to it.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has not been carried out for this Order as there is a negligible impact on the costs to UK business, charities and voluntary bodies.