The Evolution of Position of the European Union on the De Facto States in the Post-Soviet Space in XXI century

This article deals with the European Union official position on the political and legal status of «de facto states» in the post-Soviet space. The self-proclamation of new state formations in the post-Soviet space was certainly accompanied by ethno-political conflict and open military confrontation. International organizations have accumulated positive experience in resolving such conflicts. It is proved by the cessation of hostilities in the territories of such «de facto states» and the transfer these conflicts to a frozen phase. It is noted that the European Union as a leading actor in modern international relations and an important geopolitical player in the post-Soviet space does not stay away from this problem. The EU participation in the international conflicts settlement around separatist regions in the territory of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine is considered. The author argues that the Transnistrian problem is the most important for the European Union. It is determined that the EU’s activities in the region are limited mainly to humanitarian aid, official statements by representatives of the organization and participation in negotiations as an observer. The official documents and statements of the European Union representatives, which offer ways to solve the problem, are analyzed. The main mechanisms, which are used by the European Union in the field of conflict resolution, are identified, as well as the main tasks that the organization sets are highlighted. The author characterizes the effectiveness of EU actions in solving the problem of «de facto states» status. The author concludes that the situation in Moldova and Ukraine requires a special intensification of the EU’s peacekeeping efforts because of the proclamation of a course towards European integration.

Source: Zvezdova О. (2022). The Evolution of Position of the European Union on the «De Facto States» in the Post-Soviet Space in XXI century. Antiquities of Lukomorie. 1: 80-88

Source web-site: http://www.lukomor.mosk.mksat.net/index.php/lukomor/article/view/141/134