19.12.2013 Official Journal of the European Union L 344[1 | (Legislative acts) DECISIONS COUNCIL DECISION 2013/755/EU of 25 November 2013 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the European Union (‘Overseas Association Decision’) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 203 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, (3) After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national Parliaments, Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, Acting in accordance with a special legislative procedure, @ Whereas: (1) This Decision replaces Council Decision 2001/822/EC (1) which applies until 31 December 2013. Pursuant to Article 62 of Decision 2001/822/EC, the Council is to establish the provisions to be laid down for the subsequent application of the principles set out in Articles 198 to 202 of the Treaty on the Functioning () of the European Union (TFEU). (2 In its conclusions of 22 December 2009 on the EU’s relations with Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), the Council invited the Commission to submit a legislative proposal to revise the Overseas Association (") Council Decision 2001/822/EC of 27 November 2001 on the association of the overseas countries and territories with the (6) European Community (‘Overseas Association Decision’) (O] L 314, 30.11.2001, p. 1). Decision before July 2012. The Council endorsed the Commission’s proposal to base the future partnership between the Union and the OCTs on three key pillars: (1) enhancing competitiveness, (2)  strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability and (3) promoting cooperation and integration between the OCTs and other partners and neighbouring regions. The Commission held a public consultation between June and October 2008 and proposed a number of orien- tations for a new Association Decision. The results of this consultation were synthesised in a Communication of 6 November 2009 entitled ‘Elements for a new part- nership between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)'". The TFEU and its secondary legislation do not auto- matically apply to the OCTs, with the exception of a number of provisions which explicitly provide for the contrary. Although not third countries, the OCTs do not form part of the single market and must comply with the obligations imposed on third countries in respect of trade, particularly rules of origin, health and plant health standards and safeguard measures. The special relationship between the Union and the OCTs should move away from a classic development cooperation approach to a reciprocal partnership to support the OCTs' sustainable development. Moreover, the solidarity between the Union and the OCTs should be based on their unique relationship and their belonging to the same ‘European family’. The contribution of civil society to OCTs development can be enhanced by strengthening civil society organi- sations in all spheres of cooperation.