EU attempts to export norms of good governance to the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans

ABSTRACT: Since the end of the cold war, and also after September 11, the European Union (EU) has increasingly enhanced its responsibilities in the construction of security abroad. The EU has strengthened its international role by developing external relations which include a wide range of political, economic, trade, humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives reflecting EU common values and norms. The EU tends to export to its neighbour countries EU norms and models, including democratic values and practices, rule of law, human rights standards, political dialogue (henceforth the good governance norms). The EU multidimensional approach in its external relations is conceived as a way to export to third countries the European political and economic development principles and norms. Apparently, the new international environment offered the EU the potential to strengthen its political and economic role with new instruments and institutions. Regional cooperation initiatives, administra...