The European Union and Southeast Asian nations have agreed to strengthen their political and economic cooperation, with the exception of Myanmar, which is hindering progress towards a free trade agreement. During a meeting in Nuremberg, foreign ministers approved a declaration on Enhanced Partnership, pledging to collaborate on security, energy, environmental, and development matters. The agreement also includes commitments to combat terrorism, money laundering, cyber crime, and drug trafficking, as well as to address climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana expressed satisfaction with the growing relations between the two regions, emphasizing the shared values and goals between the EU and Southeast Asian countries. Analysts believe that ASEAN views closer relations with Europe as a way to counterbalance China's growing power and aims to replicate the success of the European Union by creating its own single market by 2015. The EU is interested in accessing the potential of a 10-nation region with a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but ASEAN has delayed the deal by insisting on Myanmar's inclusion. The EU has imposed sanctions on Myanmar since its military rulers disregarded a 1990 election won by the main pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder stated that the EU hopes ASEAN countries will push for human rights improvements in Myanmar, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "We want to see a change in Burma/Myanmar," she emphasized. The EU is currently working on establishing bilateral cooperation agreements with several ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and eventually Vietnam, while awaiting a full EU-ASEAN trade deal. Although the EU has expressed interest in a free trade agreement with the ASEAN bloc, they acknowledge the need to first work with individual countries. Finalizing an agreement with Indonesia is expected to happen soon, but issues still need to be addressed with Singapore and Thailand due to political instability. The EU also plans to pursue a similar agreement with Vietnam, focusing on human rights and trade issues. EU officials emphasize their ongoing human rights dialogue with Hanoi, contrasting it with the lack of such dialogue with Myanmar.