Diplomacy

Negotiations in Vienna to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), are “rapidly reaching the end of the road”, warned European negotiators. The negotiators retuned home for the second time after the talks resumed following a long summer break. Negotiators are still committed to constructive efforts and to move at a faster pace. However, media accounts at Palais Coburg on Friday (17 December) said the mood was somber. 

The summit's declaration sets out the strategy and priorities that will guide relations between the EU and its Eastern neighbours going forward based on a new, more ambitious, agenda.

The GCC Supreme Council concluded its 42nd summit with a call for unity, solidarity, and stability. With the presence of Qatar after a few years absence, The GCC sent a strong message that it is coming together to address issues and improve on many areas.

A statement posted late on Tuesday on the website of the European Council stated that "President Michel assured both leaders of the EU’s commitment to work closely with Armenia and Azerbaijan in overcoming conflict, creating cooperation and an atmosphere of trust, with a view to sustainable peace in the region ultimately underpinned by a comprehensive peace agreement".

The summit of the leaders of the European Union and of the countries of the Eastern Partnership takes place in Brussels tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 December). It promises to be a defining moment in the relationship between the EU and its neighbours to the east: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. In this analysis, the research team of commonspace.eu explore the issues under discussion and explore why for the first time an EaP summit has attracted considerable public attention.

The Russians persisted in presenting a gathering in Moscow on Friday as a meeting of " 3 + 3 ", when in fact only five countries were present, and it was more the case of 2 + 3. Diplomatic deceit is not the basis on which South Caucasus regional co-operation should be built.

The new Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, made his first overseas trip on Friday, visiting Paris for a meeting with French president Emanuel Macron, and later making his first official visit to Brussels as the new leader of Germany to meet with the heads of the EU institutions