This study uses the KOF globalization index to investigate the development of globalization in recent decades. The index is decomposed into economic, social and political components. The analysis is based on a panel dataset consisting of 50 developed and developing countries observed during the period between 1970 and 2007. The index serves as a useful tool in comparing the globalization process among countries and how it has evolved over time. The focus here is on the EU's development strategy in the wake of the recent wave of globalization. The results show the evidence of large variations in the level and development of globalization and its underlying components across countries, regions and over time.