An official EU office was opened in Havana on Monday, March 10, in hopes of intensifying EU and Cuban relations. Cuba has applied to receive economic trade advantages under the EU's Cotonou Agreement which provides aid to 78 developing nations in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Cuba's request will be proposed to European national governments this summer. Approval will most likely depend on whether nation states exert pressure on Cuba regarding human rights abuses; Cuba withdrew its petition in 2000 to protest to such impositions. The EU is currently Cuba's major trade and aid partner, and also supports a steady tourist industry to the island.