Is it time to close the borders of the European Union? (Zoltán Gábor, CGSRS)

The inefficiency of the series of measures that the leaders of the European Union (EU) had adopted since May 2015 triggered a change of heart even among the most fervent supporters of a benevolent approach towards the influx of migrants. The uncompromising idealism and ‘can-do’ attitude inspired the EU leaders to act on the humanitarian values of Europe at any cost. In hindsight, this was an error in judgment for two reasons. First, the division among EU member states on the extent to which the block was willing and capable of receiving asylum seekers on pure humanitarian grounds prevented consensus and coordinated action. Second, the lack of preparedness of the EU and its member states to address the migration emergency impaired the effectiveness of any EU-level action to handle the crisis. The only viable solution is for the EU to seal its external borders to stop the migration flow. Otherwise, desperate people will continue to arrive to seek safe haven in the EU. Finding a middle ground is increasingly illusory, and risks exacerbating the crisis. Nonetheless, the EU took in its fair share of people who sought refuge in Europe. It is time to put the European Union’s self-interest first: to save the achievements of the Schengen Area, to rebuild the cohesion of Europe, to safeguard the trust of the constituents in the European project, and to return to common sense politics.

http://www.cgsrs.org/publicationDetail.php?page=Publication&Publication=49

After the Iranian deal, Russia’s power struggle in the Caucasus – The Case of Armenia (Frank Lünemann, CGSRS)

As an Iranian oil and gas transit hub country, Armenia wants to profit from the recent lifting of economic sanctions on Iran to project its feverish economy outside of the Russian sphere of influence and dependence. Conscious of the key geo-strategic position of Armenia, Russia will most likely never embrace such act of emancipation and let the country develop new partnerships with western or non-Russian parties. However, Russia also eyes closer collaboration with its Iranian counterpart and while it seeks to extend its energy network southwards, its policy towards Armenia comes in contradictions with its own Iranian aspirations. This research paper exposes the difficulties and challenges faced by Russia and Armenia in the Caucasus and discusses the potential concessions needed to achieve mutual benefit for both parties in light of a new geo-political environment wherein Iran will play a more assertive role.

http://www.cgsrs.org/publicationDetail.php?page=Publication&Publication=48