The Southern Africa region has enormous productive potential. Recent political events within the SADC region have, however, underlined the fragility of this productive potential. Regional cooperation can help build confidence among neighbouring countries, promote political stability and can help facilitate policy reform . The European Union remains committed to contributing to the development of the individual countries and to the region as a whole. The European Union encourages the deepening of political dialogue in the region aimed at enhancing peace and security.
Strong emphasis is placed on institutional strengthening and good governance.
In addition, the process of democratisation will continue to be supported in order to ensure long-term stability. The Region needs economic growth in order to raise living standards and to eliminate poverty. Over the next five years, the European Union's cooperation with Southern Africa will intensify efforts to reinforce the productive potential and the competitiveness of the economies of the region, so as to facilitate the harmonious integration of the region into the world economy. The Lom Convention provides the framework for trade and aid between the EU and the ACP countries.