The European Union’s policy towards the South Caucasus is a typical example of the inability of its member states to develop a common policy towards the post-Soviet space. Furthermore, the EU has been slow to adapt to changes in the region, such as, most notably, the rise in power and relevance of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus region. The failure of conflict resolution in the South Caucasus is also due to diverging interests between the member states and EU’s limited engagement in its neighborhood, which makes the EU policy towards the South Caucasus at the most reactive. First, the South Caucasus fuels internal European disputes on how one should develop a policy towards Russia, and its post-Soviet neighbors. Second, an ideologically charged debate about diversification of energy supply has unfolded in the Europe-Caspian discourse, without tangible results. Third, the region exemplifies a lack of a common Western – that is US and EU strategy – towards the post-Soviet space.
Russian Media and Forest Fires
Interview with Dr. Stefan Meister
13.08.2010 | Deutschlandradio Kultur
Interview with Dr. Stefan Meister
08.08.2010 | WDR 5, Die Tagespost, Radio Fritz, NRW-RV
Czech-German Young Professionals Program
Application Deadline: 26 September 2010
Alexander Rahr meets the Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych
On 18 June 2010, Alexander Rahr, together with other Yalta European Strategy board members, was received by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych discussed the improving economic situation in his country as well as his upcoming trip to Germany. In this context, Yanukovych announced that, among other things, he intends to use good relations with Germany as a basis to send important political signals to the European Union. Ukraine would like to establish a free trade area with the European Union. Moreover, Yanukovych hopes for the abolishment of visa regulations between Ukraine and the EU. (18.06.2010)
Almut Möller, the Head of the Alfred von Oppenheim Center for European Policy Studies, gave a speech at the EPIN conference in Istanbul on the topic of “Europe 2030: Debating a Broader European Strategic Concept”. EPIN regularly organizes meetings for its European think tank members in both EU member and applicant countries. This event was hosted by the Centre for Economics and Foreign Policy (EDAM). (15.06.2010)
On 10 June 2010, Alexander Rahr chaired a podium discussion at the international conference “Drug Production in Afghanistan. A Challenge to the International Community” in Moscow. Among the participants were: Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, NATO Ambassador Dmitri Rogozin, generals of ISAF mission, members of the Afghan government, politicians on security policy from India, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Colombia, and the U.S. (10.06.2010)
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