Article 72 Cooperation of Member States with third countries

Member States may cooperate at an operational level with one or more third countries in relation to the areas covered by this Regulation. Such cooperation may include the exchange of information and may take place on the basis of bilateral or multilateral agreements, other forms of arrangements, or through regional networks established on the basis of those agreements.

When concluding the bilateral and multilateral agreements referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, Member States may include provisions concerning the exchange of information and cooperation for the purposes of EUROSUR in accordance with Articles 75 and 89.

The bilateral and multilateral agreements and other forms of arrangements referred to in paragraph 1 shall comply with Union and international law on fundamental rights and on international protection, including the Charter, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967 Protocol thereto, and in particular the principle of non-refoulement. When implementing such agreements and arrangements, Member States shall assess and take into account the general situation in the third country on a regular basis, and shall have regard to Article 8.