Why is it in the interest of the EU to work with an entity that doesn't condone concepts like democracy, due process, or the rule of law? Shouldn't it be the m

Why is it in the interest of the EU to work with an entity that doesn't condone concepts like democracy, due process, or the rule of law? Shouldn't it be the mandate of liberal democracies to enable liberal democracies and to prevent authoritarian entities from growing power and reach?