21 to 53) between the regional groups is problematic in that it may mean equal representation is more difficult to achieve. Additionally, some of the groups might be in need of reform due to political changes within the group. Many members of the Eastern European Group have, in recent years, gradually aligned themselves with the Western European and Others Group due to their admission into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union. Additionally, some members of the Western European and Others Group also feel disenfranchised due to increased coordination between European Union states that are in the group. In 1995, the Australian Government proposed that the regional groups be reorganised in seven groups as follows: Western Europe (24 members) Central and Eastern Europe (22 members) Middle East and the Maghreb (19 members) Africa (43 members) Central Asia and the Indian Ocean (17 members) East Asia and Oceania (25 members) America (35 members) This proposal would create a homogenous Middle Eastern group, as well as meet the demands of South Pacific states who have called for their own region. In 1997, a Canadian study proposed that the regional groups be reorganised into nine groups as follows: Eurasia (21 members) Asia/Pacific (25 members) Mediterranean/Gulf (19 members) Northern Europe (20 members) Southern Europe (19 members) North Africa (23 members) Southern Africa (23 members) Americas (19 members) Caribbean (16 members) This proposal would create groups of similar size, while also factoring in the local politics of the regions. In 2000, the government of Nauru, in its general debate address, called for a new regional group for Oceania. This new group would give more representation to Pacific island nations, who are at present grouped together with the Middle East, Central Asia and East Asia, limiting their opportunities. Aside from Nauru, this proposed bloc may also include Australia and New Zealand (both in the WEOG), Japan, South Korea, the ASEAN countries, and the rest of Oceania. Gallery See also IAEA Areas List of members of the United Nations Security Council List of members of the United Nations Economic and Social Council List of members of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights United Nations geoscheme Continental union References External links UNAIDS, The Governance Handbook, January 2010 (pp. 28,29); PDF document at UN-AIDS website. United Nations-related lists History of the United Nations United Nations coalitions and unofficial groups