Stosunki Unii Europejskiej z wyspiarskimi państwami południowego Pacyfiku
EU relations with South Pacific island states

Summary/Abstract: The article examines EU’s relationship with the Pacific subgroup of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States from the signing of the Cotonou Agreement in 2000 to the Lisbon Treaty’s coming into force in 2009. The analysis has been structured on the basis of a distinction stemming from the national role conceptions theory, i.e. between the declarative aspect and actual conduct of EU’s involvement in the South Pacific. Thus, the first step was to identify the goals the EU declares it wants to pursue in the region, which have been contained in various documents governing its relationship with the South Pacific. These declarations include strengthening political cooperation, support for socio -economic development, eradication of poverty, promoting democratic values and standards, rule of law and human rights, facilitating transition of the South Pacific Island States to the liberalized global economy as well as developing their contacts with other actors. Subsequently these objectives were confronted with particular policies, such as trade and development policies, which are intended to enable the UE to achieve its goals. The comparison of the two proved that the UE faces serious difficulties in actualizing its declarations. They are far -fetched, whilst the relationship with the South Pacific Island States is of low intensity and standing amongst all external action priorities.

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