Europe's East
EU to push Georgia to cut carbon emissions as part of economic recovery
On its path towards the EU, Georgia will be expected to align itself with the EU's ambitions laid out in the bloc's Green Deal and reduce carbon emissions as it seeks to boost and modernise its economy, the European Commission told EURACTIV.
Focus on Black Sea, Caucasus highlights Georgia’s strategic importance
While Georgia’s normalisation with Russia is still in doubt because of the country’s breakaway regions, Georgia has embraced a pro-Western foreign policy, including plans to join the EU and NATO and deepening relations with the US. “We have seen a...
Strasbourg court rules Russia has ‘direct control’ over Abkhazia, South Ossetia
Russia is responsible for human rights violations, including loss of life, torture, disrespect of property and privacy occurring in Georgian breakaway regions of Abkahzia and South Ossetia as it had effective control of the territories after the 2008 Russo-Georgian war,...
Belarus stripped of ice hockey world championship over unrest, Covid
Belarus was on Monday (18 January) stripped of its role as co-host of the 2021 ice hockey world championship over "growing safety and security concerns related to both the rising political unrest and Covid-19".
The Nakhchivan corridor will boost connectivity in the Caucasus
From the perspective of Eurasian connectivity, the Nakhchivan corridor could become part of both north-south and east-west transport corridors that get through the South Caucasus, writes Orkhan Baghirov.
Ukraine leader appeals for EU vaccine help
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday (12 January) called on the European Union to help source coronavirus vaccines, as he tries to stave off criticism for failing to secure any western-made jabs.
US imposes sanctions on pro-Russia Ukrainians over election interference
The US imposed sanctions on several Ukrainian individuals, accusing them of US election interference and associating with a pro-Russian Ukrainian lawmaker linked to efforts by President Donald Trump’s allies to dig up dirt on President-elect Joe Biden and his son.
A Stability Pact for the South Caucasus
The obstacle for the auspicious idea dating back to 1999 for a Pact for Stability and Cooperation for the South Caucasus has been lifted, writes Vasif Huseynov.
Billionaire Georgia party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili says quitting politics
The billionaire leader of Georgia's ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is widely seen as the Western-backed country's most powerful man, announced Monday (11 January) he was quitting politics.
Thirteen countries call on EU to support Eastern Partnership vaccine efforts
Thirteen member states issued a call to the European Commission to support the Eastern Partnership countries in their efforts to obtain affordable and fair access to the COVID-19 vaccines, according to a joint letter seen by EURACTIV.
New evidence in Ukraine journalist’s murder
Police in Ukraine have received new evidence that may help identify those who ordered the murder of award-winning investigative journalist Pavel Sheremet in 2016.
Belarusian spa in Lithuania hit by EU sanctions
A Belarusian state-owned spa operating in Lithuania has been hit by European Union sanctions against Minsk over its brutal crackdown on opposition protesters, officials said Monday (28 December). Ilya Yepifanau, the head physician at the Belorus spa, told AFP that...
Georgia gets important designation in International Criminal Court
A Georgian national was elected for the first time as judge at the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) - an important designation for a country awaiting investigation of alleged war crimes committed during a short war with Russia in 2008.
Opportunity for durable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be seized
There are already signs for the potential transformation of the conflictual environment around Nagorno-Karabakh into one of cooperation and joint projects, writes Vasif Huseynov. Vasif Huseynov is a senior adviser at the Center of Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan....
Azerbaijani ambassador floats Southern Caucasus project inspired by EU history
Following the Russia-negotiated peace in Nagorno-Karabakh in November, Azerbaijan signals it seeks EU-style reconciliation in the region based on economic projects, while a leading MEP replied democratic reforms should come first.
What role for the EU in post-war Karabakh?
The EU prestige suffered immensely as a consequence of its absence from any attempt to manage the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, write Borut Grgic and Bernhard Knoll-Tudor.
EU envoys agree more Belarus sanctions
EU ambassadors agreed Wednesday (16 December) further economic sanctions on Belarus over its brutal crackdown on opposition protesters, targeting 29 individuals and seven firms or organisations, diplomats said.
The importance of Azerbaijan to the EU: What path to develop deeper relations?
In the Caucasus, political stability in recent years has allowed the region to experience strong and consistent economic growth. More recently, big energy infrastructure projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor and the East-West Corridor have also underlined the strategic...
Belarus protesters gather ‘despite repressions, violence and cold’
Protesters in Belarus weathered icy conditions Sunday (13 December), hitting the streets to demand the resignation of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko who is facing down months of historic protests against his rule.
Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other for deadly post-ceasefire clashes
Clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region have killed four Azeri servicemen in recent weeks, Azerbaijan’s defence ministry said on Sunday (13 December), in the first report of casualties since a Russian-brokered ceasefire accord.
TAP pipeline is bringing EU energy policy to Azerbaijan
The construction of the TAP pipeline could set an example of what a project developer’s role should be – to build a commercial infrastructure project, while mitigating any potential environmental and social challenges, writes Danila Bochkarev.
Why Southern Gas Corridor is a chance for energy efficiency?
The construction of a $40 billion project of the “Southern Gas Corridor” is completed, a 25-year gas supply contracts with European buyers are in force, and a new energy efficiency law is ready to be adopted by the Milli Majlis,...OpinionPromoted content
Azerbaijan to re-build the liberated Karabakh
Companies from those states who demonstrated anti-Azerbaijani position in the Second Karabakh War would not be welcome in the reconstruction of the liberated territories, writes Vasif Huseynov.