1. THE EU AND THE WORLD

2. The EU and the USA
The relationship between the EU and the USA is the most important in the world, and yet it has not always been a happy one.
The US has provided direct and deliberate support to European integration, as well as indirect support by pursuing policies that have united the Europeans in support or opposition, and helped the EU identify its weaknesses.
Both sides agree on the general goals of promoting democracy and capitalism, but they also have quite different styles and values on a wide range of issues, raising questions about how the transatlantic relationship will evolve.

3. Neighbourhood Policy
The EU has been active in reaching out to its neighbours with the goals of creating a ‘circle of friends’ and of promoting democracy and free markets in the region.
The Barcelona Process had the goal of strengthening political, economic and social ties between the EU and non-EU Mediterranean states, and was relaunched in 2008 as the Union for the Mediterranean.
The European Neighbourhood Policy has the goal of avoiding the emergence of dividing lines between an enlarged EU and its neighbours.
The EU relationship with the Middle East has been troubled, while that with Russia has blown hot and cold, in spite of the fact that both need each other.

4. Neighbourhood Policy

5. Development Cooperation
The effects of imperialism are still felt in the heritage of political and economic ties between EU states and former European colonies.
EU development policy has had three key components:
Trade agreements aimed at helping boost exports and economic growth.
Grants and technical aid.
Policies aimed at specific economic sectors with the goal of boosting long-term development.
Under the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) programme, former colonies have been targeted for preferential trade agreements. The jury is still out on the effects of this policy.