ABSTRACT
The exceptions to multilateralism provided for by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) have led to a proliferation of regional agreements. Some of these bring together developed countries such as the European Union (EU), whereas others involve participation between developing countries, as is the case of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In another instance, membership includes both developed and developing countries-a prime example being the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Of all the world groupings that furthered regional cooperation or integration, Europe is undoubtedly the one that has invested more in this area, both within its borders and in relation to the external world. As regards the internal level, the number of countries joining the Union passed from six in 1957 to 15 members in 1995, and with the planned enlargement in 2004 is expected to rise to 25. At the external level, the number of countries with which the EU has developed some form of contractual relationship has grown from 18 in 1957 to 117 countries in 2002.
