The EU's trade and development policy as an aspect of inter-regional relations with ASEAN : a case of well-being.

Abstract

What is the purpose of life? What can fulfill our lives? Is it happiness coupled with living in a so-called utopian society? Questions like these may sound familiar and thus may provide opportunity for discussion to any individual, community, organization, society, country, and region as well as dialogue at global level. Interestingly, happiness is not a new science as such. Aristotle, an infamous Greek philosopher and one of the most respected thinkers, evidently studied ‘Eudaimonia’ or ‘happiness’, in fact it is better to express under the term ‘well-being’ since it provides meanings carrying more holistic perspectives. This means that human being has questioned the true purpose of life, existence of happiness and well-being for more than two thousand years.

The impact of such concept has transcended to the present time and interestingly to regional groupings as well. Key players at global level and regional level such as the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mention ‘well-being’ in their collective purposes. According to Article 3 of the EU’s Treaty of Lisbon, “the Union's aim is to promote peace, its values and the well-being of its peoples.” With regard to ASEAN, the region also aims to promote well-being for ASEAN citizens and community. In accordance with Article 1 of ASEAN Charter, ASEAN aims “to enhance the well-being and livelihood of the peoples of ASEAN by providing them with equitable access to opportunities for human development, social welfare and justice.”

Based on the concept of Eudaimonia and these principles enacted in the Treaty of Lisbon and ASEAN Charter, one can see that well-being is regarded to be one of the aims set by both regional groupings. However, how each region manages to deliver the well-being to its citizens depends on policy, mechanisms, social relations, culture, tradition, expertise and appropriateness in line with their context of implementation.