Novel Solutions to Resolve the Conflicts in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood. College of Europe Policy Brief #2.18, February 2018

Vasilyan, Syuzanna (2018) Novel Solutions to Resolve the Conflicts in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood. College of Europe Policy Brief #2.18, February 2018. [Policy Paper]

PDF - Published Version Download (730Kb)

Abstract

> The insecurity caused by the unresolved conflicts in the EU’s Eastern neighbourhood requires immediate solutions. > To date, the schemes designed for resolving the Abkhazian, South Ossetian, Nagorno-Karabakh and Transnistrian conflicts have proven unsuccessful. > Against the background of tensions between the US/EU and Russia, novel solutions hinging on security and political confidence-building measures, and political, economic and social remedies are advised. > Confidence-building measures include, among others, institutionalizing high-level meetings, modifying the OSCE Minsk Group, safeguarding the demilitarized zones and sending a permanent monitoring to Nagorno-Karabakh. Additional measures require creating a longer-term EU-Russia monitoring mission for Abkhazia and South Ossetia, adding a ‘civilian’ ‘wing’ to the peacekeeping mission in Transnistria, capping defence expenditures and armaments and using preemptive and preventive measures for all conflicts. > In terms of additional remedies, banning ‘hate speech’, re-shaping the existing economic patterns and supporting SMEs, as well as paving the way for visa-free travel to Abkhazians and South Ossetians and fostering infrastructural links would be useful measures. > The recommendations aim at achieving the type of ‘sustainable peace’ that the EU champions in its Global Strategy.

Actions (login required)