Why non-recognition matters in Crimea / No stability under occupation in Crimea

The 18 March 2016, marked the two-year anniversary of the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea by Russia.

The inherent weakness of the EU’s approach to Crimea is that the non-recognition policy is static, with no dynamic process to resolve the impasse. The Normandy Format deals with the situation in the Donbas but not Crimea. There is no format or forum where Crimea is discussed between the EU and Russia. Moscow has refused all suggestions that Crimea should be a topic for discussion.

The focus on the Donbas is justified and correct since the situation there is more pressing and destabilising as Russia and its proxies continue to ferment war. But even if Russia implements the Minsk agreement and there is a move towards better relations with Russia, Crimea is likely to remain a point of contention between the EU and Russia for some time to come.

ESO: Key Source: Euromaidan - Protests in Ukraine 2013 - 2015 - Key source http://www.europeansources.info/record/euromaidan-protests-in-ukraine-2013-2015/

ESO: Key Source: EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-sanctions-against-russia-over-ukraine-crisis/

ESO: Background Information: Crimea is left without power http://www.europeansources.info/record/crimea-is-left-without-power/

ECFR: Commentary, 18.03.16: No stability under occupation in Crimea http://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_crimea_no_stability_under_occupation6042

Russia: President: Events, 18.03.16: Congratulations on the second anniversary of Crimea and Sevastopol’s reunification with Russia http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51535

ESO: Background Information: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on Crimea http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-declaration-by-the-high-representative-on-behalf-of-the-eu-on-crimea-2/

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