# Memorandum of understanding (MoU)

 

## Description

Less formal instrument than [*bilateral agreements*](https://www.ela.europa.eu/en/glossary/bilateral-agreement), often setting out operational arrangements under a framework agreement on an international level. MoUs entail general principles of cooperation describing broad concepts of mutual understanding, goals and plans shared by the parties. They are usually non-binding. MoUs can cover agreements between enforcement bodies of different MS/EEA countries.

\[Wickramasekara, P. (2015). *Bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding on Migration of Low Skilled Workers: A Review*. Geneva: International Labour Office.\]