The EU Stalemate in Central Asia
Arguments for a new approach in cooperation with Russia

Fabrissi Vielmini (Turin / Alma-Ata) [BIO]

Email: vielmini@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

On the 15 years since independence of the region, the EU policy toward Central Asia stands out for lack of effectiveness and even bad influence. Since the mid-90ies there has been a lot of talk on what should be the European role in the region, but up to this year a clear strategy is far away from being identified. Even after the approval of such a document this year, a number of its disposals let doubt that any substantial breakout could emerge in regard to the possibilities of the Europeans to have a say in the developments of this strategic region, which is crucial for the stability of the world in the XXI century.

The main EU shortcoming remains in uncritically following the main thrust of the Anglo-American strategy toward the post-Soviet space at large, i.e. posing itself in a position of competitor vis-à-vis Russia. This last actor is considered in the paper as the main vector of civil advancement and pluralism, as understandable from the perspective of Central Asian Weltanschauung.

It is imperative to analyse the basis for an enlarged EU-Russia partnership for the sake of Central Asian stability, a true Eurasian alliance, in which the EU should bring a contribution proportionate to its economical and strategic weight.