Trade blocs

European Union (EU)

the European Union is a regional trade bloc, that lowers trade barriers between its members in order to promote free trade regionally
it has 27 member states
it also provides regional development grants to allow economic growth in deprived areas of a country
it provides subsidies to farmers in order to keep them competitive in the global market
it overall strengthens its position in global trade, as it is a large player on the global trade (and is a member of the G20)
however, the process of subsidising farmers is against the rules of the WTO, which means there is conflict there

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)