Relations between the European Union and Belarus have been mostly absent for the period of 1996-2008. Basic legal documents that would regulate bilateral relations and ensure Belarus' full participation in the European Neighbouthood Policy (ENP) have not been ratified or adopted because of the authoritarian nature of the governing regime of President Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Ratification of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) was frozen in 1997. Belarus does not enjoy full benefits of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), there is no ENP Action Plan is place.