European Union’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Magdalena Grono referred to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan in an interview with APA News Agency.
“The EU certainly used to play the role of a facilitator during the earlier phase of the Azerbaijan-Armenia “normalisation process”, in particular during the period referred to as the “Brussels Process” under the auspices of then President of the European Council, Charles Michel – in which I also had the privilege to take part – between 2021-2023.
As acknowledged openly by the sides, their ongoing successful bilateral format draws on past substance, formulas and contacts developed also in other formats. Past processes, including the series of meetings held in the framework of the “Brussels Process” contributed to the readiness and capacity of the sides to handle their talks bilaterally.
It is this bilateral nature of the discussions that has dominated the process since the last year or two and we fully respect the parties’ choices and format. We have offered support – from political to technical and expertise-based – with any aspect of the negotiations’ agenda, in full respect of the bilateral format.
As a strategic player, the EU has interests in the region that are far broader – and not limited to the negotiations table only. The EU wants to support the ongoing bilateral process and the sides in their efforts to advance peace, stability and prosperity in the region, a core strategic interest for the EU, and is also supportive of the broader linkages between the EU, the South Caucasus, Central Asia and beyond, hence our focus on the connectivity agenda.
My exchanges with high-level interlocutors in Azerbaijan and Armenia now focus on the EU’s role in support of the peace process and measures aimed at ensuring that people see and feel tangible benefits of peace. In addition to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, this also includes regional cooperation, the Armenia-Türkiye normalisation, connectivity opportunities and confidence-building measures. We will continue to be strongly engaged and explore new opportunities, where the EU can be helpful to our Armenian and Azerbaijani partners on their way towards full-fledged peace”, Grono said.
