Georgia-European Union Relations after the Independence

Abstract

As soon as the European Union (EU) overcame the initial shock after the sudden collapse of the Soviets, which was expected in the long term, it began to enlarge its borders to encompass the Eastern Europe consisting of the Former Soviet Republics. However, for the South Caucasian states on the other side of the Black Sea, the EU adopted an approach that is more cautious and taking the considerations of Russia into account. The EU-Georgia relations became solid only in 1999 thanks to the framework provided by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. EU, today, is aware of the geostrategic importance of Georgia. The EU has designed a spherical zone of friendly countries encircling its borders for the European Security Architecture it is trying to create, as well. The EU is reshaping Georgia as a "Europeanized", stable and privileged partner on the alternative route of energy resources through its "civic power" and the European Neighbourhood Policy. Policies targeting the global effectiveness of the EU and a role for the EU in the global energy market make the integration of Georgia with the Union unavoidable.

Keywords

European Foreign Policy, Georgia, Energy, European Neighbourhood Policy, USA

Citation

Özer, Sanem, “Georgia-European Union Relations after the Independence”, International Relations, Volume 4, Issue 15 (Fall 2007), pp. 109-148.

Affiliations

• Sanem Özer, Dr., Akdeniz University, Department of International Relations