Briefing note on the ‘frozen conflicts’ in the South Caucasus, the general situation in the region and its EU-relations

This note provides essential information on the so called frozen conflicts in Georgia (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and between Armenia and Azerbaijan (the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict).

A second section contains an overview of important recent events and developments in the region. The main focus in this context is on energy matters, which are at the heart of almost all regional issues. A snapshot of geopolitics in and around the region is given and the region’s increasing strategic importance is noted. Developments described in this section influence the prospects for resolution of the various conflicts.

A third section presents topical issues in the EU's relations with the region and provides general information about these relations. Basic facts on the three countries and an overview of their participation in key international organisations and multilateral cooperation, as well as a map, can be found in annexes.

European Parliament: AFET Hearing, 22 February 2006: Promoting Stability and Democratization in Our Neighbourhood: What Role for the EU in the South Caucasus? http://europarl.europa.eu/comparl/afet/hearings/default_en.htm

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