The Eurasian Union and the European Union Redefining their Neighborhood: The Case of the South Caucasus

Abstract

The European Union and the Eurasian Union both are having an impact on the future strategic development of Wider Europe. The three states of the South Caucasus are indicating low interest in joining the Eurasian Union, but at the same time it is not clear if the EU is able to offer a strategic alternative. Better defining Russian-EU relations should include a focus on new founding principles for Wider Europe, as well as an end to the current rivalry in the joint neighborhood, supplanted by cooperation and modernization. Solving the current negative perception of the South Caucasus should be seen as a litmus test.