EU engagement with both Georgia and Russia since the 2008
surprisingly, relations between Russia and Georgia are acrimoni-
conflict will be analyzed. Third, the international response to
ous to say the least, with both sides exchanging insults and accu-
the recent Abkhazian elections will be discussed. Fourth and
sations of backing terrorists3. Recent procurement decisions by
finally, several policy options for NATO, both unilateral and in
the Kremlin indicate that Russia’s military presence in Abkhazia
concert with the EU, will be presented.
is a priority for Moscow4. Georgia continues to insist that Russia
Abkhazia emerged as an independent kingdom in 756, was
is not complying with the terms of the EU-brokered cease fire,
subsumed into Georgia in 985, and eventually annexed by Russia in 1863. Soviet authorities incorporated Abkhazia into the
most recently accusing Russian of overflying Georgian
Recent procurement decisions by the Kremlin indicate that Russia’s military presence in Abkhazia is a priority for Moscow.
Georgian Soviet Socialist
territory illegally5. Georgia is presently blocking Russia’s bid to join the WTO, demanding that the border between the two states – as Georgia defines it – must be respected and properly demarcated6. Nevertheless, the two countries have reached agreements on transporta-
Republic in 1931; and following the dissolution of the USSR,
tion and energy since the war ended, mediated by the Swiss, so
Georgia sent troops to maintain possession of Abkhazia. Russian
there is a basis for increased cooperation. A renewal of diplo-
involvement continued thereafter as the principal contributor to
matic relations, however, is yet to come.
United Nations (UN) peacekeeping forces in the region. The
Georgian relations with NATO, on the other hand, are far
critical turning-point for the purposes of this article, however,
more positive. At the Bucharest Summit in April 2008, Allied
was the 2008 conflict which precipitated active international
Heads of State and Government agreed that Georgia will become
participation in the issue. First and foremost, it was the EU
a member of NATO, a pronouncement reaffirmed following the
which brokered the ceasefire agreements of 12 August and 8
conflict with Russia at the Strasbourg-Kehl and Lisbon Summits
September 2008. Thereafter, on 15 September 2008, the Coun-
in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The NATO-Georgia Commis-
cil of Europe initiated the European Monitoring Mission in
sion, founded in the immediate aftermath of the Russo-Georgian
Georgia and appointed an EU Special Representative for the
conflict established a framework for cooperation between
Georgian crisis1. NATO, too, escalated its cooperation with
NATO and Georgia; and serves as a forum for political consulta-
Georgia, the full details of which are examined below. In retali-
tions and practical cooperation7. Thereafter, a NATO Liaison
ation, Russia formally recognized Abkhazia and South Ossetia as
Office in Tbilisi was established. NATO and Georgia primarily
independent states, joined only by Nicaragua, Venezuela, and
cooperate on security and defense reform. In terms of security,
the island nation of Nauru – all persuaded by bilateral deals
Georgian troops worked alongside NATO in Kosovo from 1999
promising Russian aid or broader investment in their respective
to 2008 and at present 937 Georgian troops participate in the
energy sectors .
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan – the
2
highest per-capita rate of participation in the mission8.
A regional hegemon?
This support was evident during the 2008 conflict, in which
At present, Russia finances over 50% of Abkhazia’s budget
NATO publically and unequivocally backed Georgia. Most re-
(which does pale in comparison to some 99% for the South Os-
cently, the USS Monterey (a guided-missile cruiser) visited Batumi
setian government). Between 7,000 and 9,000 Russian troops
in June 2011, to considerable Russian outrage – which com-
are presently in Abkhazia under a bilateral agreement in place
pounded upon Moscow’s anger in general at the “Sea Breeze”
until 2059, with the possibility of extension until 2074. Their
exercises she was participating in. Militarily, Georgia requires
facilities are being actively upgraded by the Russian Ministry of
any assistance NATO can offer, with its defense budget at only
Defense, which is providing considerable quantities of materiel
50% of 2008 levels and only three working aircraft. Georgia's
to the “peacekeepers” stationed in both secessionist republics,
economy, too, has slowed its growth since the 2008 war as for-
including rocket artillery capable of striking the capital of Tbilisi,
eign investment has fallen by some 75%9. However, NATO
as well as major military installations at Senaki and Gori. Not
members are only willing to assist Georgia to a point, for two
Atlantic Voices Volume 2 Issue 1
8