ArmInfo.Prospects of Brussels in Abkhasia, South Ossetia and Nagorno Karabakh are limited due to lack of its own personality, intention to confront Russia, as well as support to Tbilisi and Baku, Russian expert Andrey Areshev expressed this opinion to ArmInfo.
''Thus, geopolitical motivation is not least factor of involvement of the European structures in settlement of the conflicts in the South Caucasus. And the fact that Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan's partners are members of NATO can not but influence the 'humanitarian' programs implemented by them in these countries'', he noted.
The expert pointed at the EU Eastern Partnership program as one of the factors hampering efficient dialog between Moscow and Brussels. In his assessment activity of the European structures in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan is a factor impacting both domestic stability and foreign relations of those states. In this light Areshev stressed the recent statement made by Verena Taylor, Director of Office of the Directorate General of Programmes Council of Europe, that the Council of Europe and European Union are considering the possibility of prolonging framework program of cooperation with Eastern Partnership countries for 2018-2020.
Europeans' interests in the Caucasus are based mainly on pragmatic considerations: development of local markets, use of natural resources, energy security etc. Areshev thinks that the West's intention to force Russia out from the Caucasus and increase its of influence on local elites has seriously strengthened its positions in Georgia at the same time making relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan more complex. And all this was happening with the US leading role, which periodically takes a back seat and gives Europe a carte-blanshe.
''However, by using soft power and new European values the Western partners aim to strengthen their influence first and foremost among youth and active groups of society. One of the significant components of their Caucasian policy is military political and military technical cooperation mainly with Georgia. However, certain programs are being implemented with Armenia and Azerbaijan as well, particularly in the area of international peacekeeping'', the Russian expert summarized.