New EU Policy in the South Caucasus

About the event

South Caucasus has been becoming an increasingly important region for the EU. On the one hand, it is an essential source and transit point for the EU to fulfil its energy diversification needs and connectivity to Asia. On the other hand, the security situation in the region post-2020 has been aggravated by a series of events: the democratic backsliding of an EU candidate state, Georgia, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh.

What role should the EU play in addressing the South Caucasus’s security challenges? The Eastern Partnership multilateral framework is not as efficient as it used to be. However, EU engagement in the region has not declined; on the contrary, it is on the rise. At the same time, the EU’s approach to the region is fragmented and lacks a bigger-picture vision. Hence, there is a need for a solid and coherent new EU policy for the South Caucasus that matches the interests of the EU and contributes to regional peace and prosperity. 

This roundtable discussion-consultation ‘New EU Policy in the South Caucasus: Safeguarding security through connectivity and energy’ is hosted by MEP Nathalie Loiseau, Renew Europe Group.

Programme

14:30 ELF welcome

MEP Hilde Vautmans, ELF President

14:35 The EU in the South Caucasus: A view from Brussels

MEP Nathalie Loiseau, Renew Europe Group

14:45 Tour de table & initial remarks (3-minute interventions by participants)

Identifying the problem: Lack of vision and coherent EU policy to the South Caucasus?

Moderated by Dr Maria Alesina, ELF Policy & Research Officer

15:20 Coffee break

15:30 Discussion & brainstorming

Seeking solutions: What are the key priorities for a future EU policy towards the South Caucasus (focus on security, energy and connectivity)?

Moderated by Dr Maria Alesina, ELF Policy & Research Officer

16:15 Closing remarks and debriefing

MEP Nathalie Loiseau, Renew Europe Group
Dr Maria Alesina, European Liberal Forum

16:30 End of the event