Main Questions
Key Theses, Thoughts and Ideas
People in Karabakh feel betrayed by the international community. Many lost hope for a peaceful future. Instability and the risk that the conflict may get out of control is high. Fear, frustration, anxiety are dominant feelings on all sides and express themselves in mutual hate. Change of narratives, psycho-social support and end of isolation are necessary. The immediate response to the humanitarian crisis could serve as an entry-point for the EU to rebuild its reputation.
EU and Germany could rebuild trust in democratic values and partnerships if they engage more strongly and visibly in the OSCE-Minsk Group and in the region. Support for reconstruction, humanitarian aid, economic development must be based on clear value based conditions. A particular focus on Youth is essential, as experience from Western Balkan partnerships show. The EU-Eastern Partnership should connect local Civil Society voices with political key actors to detect blind spots in their official agenda.