The process of European integration currently underway in the three states of the South Caucasus is not regarded uniformly not only in the upper political echelons, but also among political scientists and other experts. The issue is complex; the countries need to adjust their internal developments to European standards, and correct or even completely change their external orientation. On the other hand, readiness to be more tightly integrated with Europe is not always tied to guarantees of achieving individual security. Some people in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan are even of the opinion that "If Europe has a program to expand its political and economic borders, then is 'Eurostandardization' worth the effort? One way or another, if Europe needs to, it will accept us into its ranks." In other words, if there is no alternative to European integration, then there is no need to spend so much energy on it.

But the question of having or not having an alternative is not completely clear-cut. If the alternative is a shift towards Asia, then everyone is for European integration (in this case, everyone points out the similarities between Europeans and Armenians, Georgians and Azerbaijanis). However, differences arise when looking at it as a shift away from Russian influence. In Georgia, everyone is for this alternative, since they see a shift from Russian influence as a means to an end and an end in itself. But Armenia and Azerbaijan are still hesitant, mainly due to the Karabakh conflict. In any case, the issue of alternatives to European integration is a major question in all three countries.

As a whole, judgments on issues connected with European integration can be grouped according to three approaches:

•  We're joining Europe; by applying their laws in our countries we can overcome our seemingly unsolvable problems.

•  In order to become a full member of various elite European organizations, we should solve our problems ourselves and not cause more headaches for the Europeans.

•  Regardless of the outcome, it is a good thing that we're integrating with Europe, since in the process we will have to improve our economic and political performance. It's a positive development, even if we fully don't meet all their requirements.

Is European integration irreversible in the countries of the South Caucasus? Are the barriers to this process more internal or external? Is European integration necessary for the security of these countries, or is it the other way around? Are there three different paths for the region's countries to reach Europe, or is there only one?

To discuss these questions and look for possible answers, the Investigative Journalists' Region Research Center organized an Internet conference for experts from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia at the Caucasus Journalists' Net from March 7th to 10th, 2005.

Participants:

Facilitator of the conference: Laura Baghdasaryan, Armenia
Investigative Journalists' Region Research Center

Azerbaijan 
Rasim Musabekov, independent expert 
Avyaz Rustamov, State University of Baku, instructor

Armenia 
Alexander Iskandaryan, Caucasus Media Institute, director 
Stepan Grigoryan, Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation, deputy director

Georgia 
Archil Ghegheshidze, Georgian Foundation of Strategic and International Relations, expert 
Alexander Rusetski, South Caucasian Institute of Security, expert

Topics of Discussion:

"An Alternative to European Integration"

Hindrances to European Integration

European Integration and Security

Will the South Caucasus countries go to Europe by one or three ways?