Changing approaches to security / Policy Brief
Crimea in the European neighbourhood
06/07/2009 By Balázs Jarábik, Natalia Shapovalova
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| S.Supinsky/AFP/Getty Images |
Although Ukraine is recognised as stable in contrast with its neighbours, a number of factors indicate that Crimea could be the next flashpoint in Europe's neighbourhood. Internally, the territory suffers poor and corrupt governance, unresolved economic and social problems and increased tensions in relations between the Slavic majority and the Tatar minority. Externally, Russia is expanding its influence in the region, feeding grounds for contestation of Ukraine's sovereignty over the peninsula.
In this scenario, this Policy Brief by Natalia Shapovalova and Balazs Jarabik explores how the EU must develop a long-term conflict prevention strategy based on dialogue, aid, investments and prospective Ukrainian accession. Internationally, the EU should make better use of the opportunities for regional cooperation opened up by the Black Sea Synergy and the Eastern Partnership and seek for the promotion of EU-Ukraine-Russia and EU-Ukraine-Russia-Turkey cooperation aimed at the development and European integration of Crimea.
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Keywords
Democracy promotion EU European Neighbourhood Policy UkraineRelated publications
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- The new enhanced agreement between the European Union and Ukraine: Will it further democratic consolidation?
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Bio author: Balázs Jarábik
Belarus. Ukraine. Russia. Caucasus. Central Asia. Eurasia. Commonwealth of Independent States.Democracy promotion.
Bio author: Natalia Shapovalova
Ukraine. Eastern Partnership. EU enlargement. Russia. Caucasus.
