2023-08-23 09:30:53
In addition to the supply of hydrocarbons, the Union pursues a geopolitical interest: to extend its area of influence, its political and societal model distinct from that of Russia. The visits of EU ministers to the South Caucasus thus regularly include meetings with NGOs that promote European values of democracy, the rule of law or the defense of minorities. NGOs, moreover, are frequently co-financed by the European Union.
Strengthening or sowing European values in these territories under the historical influence of Russia was also one of the objectives of the “European Political Community”, a new organization of 45 countriesestablished last year by French President Emmanuel Macron.
It brings together countries that “share the values of the Union” without necessarily being members. It includes Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The only states on the European continent missing from the list: Russia and Belarus, its ally.
Concretely, in the name of the values of peace and the defense of human rights, the President of the European Council Charles Michel has begun to mediate the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, whereas so far it has been Russia who is the arbiter.
“It was Russia that negotiated the ceasefire and it’s Russia qhe sent special peacekeeping forces” emphasizes Taline Ter Minassian. “Russia has presented itself as the mediating power, and now the EU, on its side, wants to impose a mediation, a peace format competing with that of Russia.”
Georgia is another field of confrontation of values between Russia and the Union, explains Thorniké Gordadzé.
“The European Union is seen as an actor which can have an influence through its economy, but also in terms of societies and values. We saw this when Georgia concluded the agreement with the European Union association, the economic free trade agreement and the agreement on visas: this is very important because it allowed Georgian citizens to come to the Schengen countries without a visa and to stay for three months. Thousands of Georgians came to study, to do business, to stay… And that had a very big influence, especially for the new generations.Today, 95% of young people, those under 40 in Georgia, are pro-European, it’s something very strong at the political level.”
Georgia applied for EU membership in March 2022. For European leaders, coming to Georgia shows support for pro-European voices in Russia’s immediate neighborhood.
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