Destined to Cooperate? Various Dimensions of European Union Policy Towards Asian Countries

The European Union's policy towards Asia constitutes an interesting area for analysis and reflection against the backdrop of changing international realities. Since its inception, the EU has gained the position of a significant player on the international stage. Asia, in turn, has become one of the key areas for EU foreign policy since the mid-1990s. This partnership has evolved and developed in response to changing circumstances and challenges, becoming an integral part of the Union's global strategy. Initially focusing on economic issues, EU-Asian cooperation now covers a wide range of themes from trade, politics, and security, to sustainable development, environmental protection, climate, and the strengthening of human rights and civil society. The EU's policy towards Asia stems from both a practical approach, focusing on developing trade exchanges, and a commitment to promoting values such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. As a community built on the foundations of peace, democracy, and the rule of law, the EU prioritizes the promotion of these values on the international stage, translating into its active role in Asia. The aim of this book is to introduce selected aspects of EU cooperation with Asia to Polish readers, focusing on three interrelated areas: development policy, environmental protection and climate change cooperation, and EU efforts to promote civil society development in Asia. These topics are interconnected as they represent significant elements of EU policy towards Asia, yet have been underexplored in Polish literature. Therefore, the book allows readers to understand the comprehensive picture of the specificity and dynamics of relations between the EU and the Asian continent.