The enlargement of the European Union on 1 May 2004 has brought a historical shift for the
Union in political, geographic and economic terms. The EU and the Palestinian Authority, as
close neighbours, will reinforce their political and economic interdependence. Enlargement
offers the opportunity for the EU and the Palestinian Authority to create the conditions for
developing an increasingly close relationship in preparation for a future Palestinian State,
going beyond co-operation, to involve a significant measure of economic integration and
deepening of political cooperation.

The European Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union sets ambitious objectives based
on commitments to shared values and effective implementation of political, economic, social
and institutional reforms.

Achieving Palestinian statehood requires full implementation of the Quartet Roadmap and an
end to violence in order to reach a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East, on the basis of the
relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, and allowing for the establishment of an
independent, viable, sovereign and contiguous Palestinian state, living side by side with the
state of Israel in peace and security.

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