European Unions External Neighbourhood Policy

The process of unification of the twenty-five EU countries presents many internal difficulties that stem, in the first place, from large spans between the levels of economic advancement of the individual member countries, but also from certain cultural and civilization differences, as well as from some relics of historical antagonisms. However, the internal integration is not tantamount to a policy of isolation of the integrated group from closer contacts with its external surroundings. The European Union is more and more decisively tending towards constructive rapprochement with its eastern and southern (Mediterranean) neighbours, in the belief that an extensive economic and cultural cooperation will promote political stabilization and general development and help the Union's neighbours with attaining higher stages of advancement. At the same time, the Union itself will gain greater security and additional economic advantage. Apart from its relations with neighbours, the Union continues to attach importance to tightening the relations with a number of other countries that, though spatially more remote, are in many respects closely connected with the Union. This in particular regards the 70 associated African, Caribbean, Pacific and Mercosur Group countries.