The European Union and Southeast Asian nations agreed to increase political and economic cooperation, with the exception of Myanmar preventing a full free trade agreement. Foreign ministers met in Nuremberg, Germany and adopted a declaration on Enhanced Partnership, committing to closer collaboration on security, energy, environment, and development. They also promised to work together on combating terrorism, money laundering, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and addressing climate change. EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana praised the progress made in relations between the two sides, not just in economic and trade matters, but also in politics. He expressed his satisfaction with the alignment of thinking between the EU and these important countries, which are neither China nor India. Analysts suggest that ASEAN is interested in strengthening its relationship with Europe in order to counterbalance China's growing power. ASEAN also aims to replicate the success of the European Union by creating its own single market by 2015. The EU is seeking to benefit from the potential of a region with 10 nations and a population of 500 million through a free trade agreement, but ASEAN's demand for Myanmar to be included in the deal has caused delays. The EU has imposed sanctions on Myanmar due to the military regime's refusal to acknowledge the results of a 1990 election won by the main pro-democracy party. EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Walder has expressed the EU's desire for ASEAN countries to advocate for human rights improvements in Myanmar, including the release of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. "We hope to see positive changes in Burma/Myanmar," she stated. The EU is working towards a full trade deal with ASEAN, but in the meantime, they are focusing on individual cooperation agreements with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and eventually Vietnam. The EU has expressed interest in a free trade agreement between the two blocs, but acknowledges the need to work with each country separately. While an agreement with Indonesia is close to being finalized, there are still unresolved issues with Singapore and obstacles in Thailand due to a military takeover. The EU also plans to pursue a similar pact with Vietnam, addressing concerns about human rights and trade tensions. EU officials emphasize their rights dialogue with Hanoi, which is not present with Myanmar.