As a consequence of the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009,
the European Union has replaced and succeeded the European Community and from that
date exercises all rights and assumes all obligations of the European Community. Therefore,
references to „the European Community” in the text of the Agreement are, where appropriate,
to be read as references to „the European Union”.
Following their accession to the European Union, the Republic of Bulgaria, Romania
and the Republic of Croatia have become Member States of the European Union and, in
accordance with Article 31 (2) of the Agreement, therefore ceased to be Associated
Parties under the Agreement.
Consequently, the Republic of Bulgaria, Romania and the Republic of Croatia are now
Parties to the Agreement as Member States of the European Union.