EU Integration Process in the South Caucasus after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

Abstract

The South Caucasus region has witnessed significant geopolitical shifts, particularly in the aftermath of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. This abstract explores the European Union's increased involvement in the area, focusing on the research question of how the EU's integration process in the South Caucasus evolved following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and what role does intergovernmentalism plays in shaping this process? This study aims to provide a practical analysis of the EU's integration process in the South Caucasus following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, with a particular emphasis on identifying the aims and methodologies employed in this integration process. Drawing on intergovernmentalism theory, this study examines the dynamics of regional integration within the context of EU-South Caucasus relations. Intergovernmentalism serves as a valuable framework for understanding the mechanisms of regional integration (Verdun, A.C.; Laursen, F., 2020), emphasizing the role of sovereign states in shaping collective decision-making. The literature also highlights the EU's evolving foreign policy priorities, particularly its engagement with Eastern Partnership countries such as Georgia and Armenia. The article by Meister S, Delcour L. titled “The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: What Role Now for the EU in the South Caucasus after Nagorno-Karabakh?” and Ayvazyan A. article titled “The South Caucasus: a challenge and an opportunity: Russia, EU and China's prospects for regional leadership. InRegional Leadership in Post-Soviet Eurasia” shows the EU's commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus has become increasingly pronounced following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and amid broader geopolitical tensions in the region, but there is the regional integration theoretical gap that our abstract is filling in. The comprehensive literature reviews have provided valuable insights into the theoretical frameworks underpinning the EU's approach to regional integration and foreign policy. Intergovernmentalism, in particular, has emerged as a salient theoretical lens to analyze the dynamics of EU-South Caucasus relations. In addition to official documents and literature reviews, meticulous analyses of policy documents have offered valuable insights into the EU's strategic objectives and initiatives in the South Caucasus. Through an examination of policy statements, action plans, and cooperation frameworks, this study has elucidated the multifaceted nature of EU engagement in the region, encompassing political-administrative (Khuroshvili, 2023),  economic, and security dimensions. This study employs a qualitative research design to explore EU-South Caucasus relations following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. Utilizing a comprehensive sampling strategy, it conducts literature reviews to establish theoretical foundations and selects case studies of the European Union's increased involvement in the region. Data collection methods include document analysis of policy documents and statements. Qualitative content analysis is then employed to interpret gathered data, ensuring validity and reliability through inter-coder reliability checks. Ethical considerations include maintaining confidentiality of sources. Limitations include potential biases in data collection. The results of this research reveal a significant upsurge in the EU engagement in the South Caucasus following the conclusion of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. One of the prominent findings is the heightened interest of the EU in the region, particularly in collaboration with member states such as Armenia and Azerbaijan. This increased interest is manifested in various initiatives aimed at fostering peace agreements and advancing regional economic integration. Recent developments underscore the EU's deepening engagement in the South Caucasus, marked by tangible steps toward integration with Georgia and Armenia. In November 2023, the European Commission recommended granting candidate status to Georgia, signalling the EU's commitment to advancing bilateral relations. Similarly, the EU Parliament's resolution supporting Armenia's prospective membership reflects growing momentum for closer cooperation. The EU's mediation efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan aim to facilitate peace agreements and foster regional communication and cooperation. Initiatives such as the "Crossroads of Peace" project offered by Armenia demonstrate the EU's vision for transforming the South Caucasus into a hub for political dialogue and international collaboration. The results further highlight the impact of external factors, such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, on the dynamics of the South Caucasus region. As Russia's attention and resources are diverted towards the conflict in Ukraine, the EU has seized the opportunity to expand its influence and deepen its engagement in the South Caucasus. This has created new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between the EU and South Caucasus countries, particularly in the realms of peacebuilding, economic development, and regional integration.