Rethinking European Union Relations with the Caucasus

This volume analyses the possibilities of an increased EU involvement in the Caucasus region. The region deserves attention primarily because of the great number of conflicts, the amount of energy resources and its dependence on safe transit routes for oil and natural gas. Important regional and global powers (Russia, Turkey, USA) are competing for political influence in the area. Region integrating measures in the southern post-Soviet area and links between the parts of the region need to be supported by encouring co-operative frameworks. The EU could play an important role in initiating and assisting these structures and in a functioning infrastructure. It remains open to what extent the EU will be able to mitigate or resolve conflicts through the development of and support for a competitive modern infrastructure. As the involvement of other international agents has been unsuccessful, the EU should be encouraged to become actively engaged.

The book primarily addresses political decision-makers and researchers interested in the region. It includes contributions of eight authors from the European Union, the USA and Turkey.