Abstract :
[en] Since the early 1990s, the European Union has developed new instruments
to consolidate its external action, especially in ‘low politics’. These new instruments
include the signing of interregional arrangements with other regional groups. The EU’s
region–to–region strategy towards the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) is in
keeping with the latest trends of interregionalism. Since the birth of Mercosur, the EU
has given technical, financial and diplomatic support to South America’s new regional-
ism. The long–term goal is to conclude a region–to–region agreement in the political,
cooperation and trade fields. By providing this support, the EU plays a role as an ‘exter-
nal federator’ for new regional experiences through its interregionalist projects.
Although ‘new interregionalism’ is a corollary of the new regionalism, interregionalism
can contribute to the consolidation of regionalism. Moreover, by encouraging
economic multilateralism, interregional arrangements can improve the governance of
globalisation.
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