№128. The European Union’s Strategic Role in Central Asia
№128. The European Union’s Strategic Role in Central Asia

Author(s): Neil Melvin
Subject(s): Geography, Regional studies, International relations/trade, EU-Accession / EU-DEvelopment
Published by: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies
Keywords: Central Asia; EU; foreign policy;
Summary/Abstract: For the first time since the collapse of communism, the EU is facing a strategic challenge in its external policies. The rise of Russia and China as international actors – with India close behind – and the growing confidence of some leading regional powers, such as Iran, are creating a serious threat to the EU’s ambition to apply external policies that reflect European values. Against this background, the employment of the democracy – promotion agenda developed during the 1990s is unlikely to be effective and may even serve to weaken the position of the EU in key regions. This situation demands an urgent and far-reaching rethink of the approach the Union takes to external relations. If the EU is to remain a serious global actor, it will have to find ways to reconcile the imperative of engaging in difficult regions beyond the immediate European neighbourhood while also remaining true to the values of the Union.

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