The evolving approach of the European Union toward the South Caucasus and the future of regional integration were the focus of the panel discussion “EU’s Enlargement Shift for the South Caucasus,” held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026 and co-hosted by GLOBSEC. The session brought together experts to examine changing EU policies and their implications for the region.
The discussion was moderated by Dominika Hajdu, Director for Policy and Programming of GLOBSEC of Slovakia, and featured Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies of Belgium, Loukas Tsoukalis, Professor at Sciences Po in Paris and President of the Board of ELIAMEP of Greece, Taline Papazian, Lecturer and Researcher in Political Science at Sciences Po of France, and Péter Pál Kránitz, Senior Research Fellow of the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs of Hungary.
Participants examined Armenia’s evolving relationship with the European Union, including ongoing reform efforts and increasing alignment with European standards. The discussion explored how broader geopolitical developments, alongside internal dynamics within the EU, may influence future approaches to enlargement and regional engagement.
Particular attention was devoted to the potential evolution of EU enlargement policy and its implications for the South Caucasus, including the emergence of differentiated integration models. Participants also discussed the balance between regulatory convergence, market access, and political integration in shaping future frameworks of cooperation.
The discussion underscored that the European Union’s future approach toward the region will play an important role in shaping prospects for integration, reform, and long-term stability across the South Caucasus.
