Twelfth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The European Union (EU) and its eastern partners have found themselves at the center of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Although, the BRI might significantly boost the regional development and connectivity in the Eastern Neighbourhood, in the end, it will predominantly be up to the EU and how the EU will manage its relations with Beijing whether the promises of the BRI are actually kept. For the EU, China’s engagement in the the South Caucasus covered by the EU’s Eastern Partnership policy presents both massive opportunities and serious challenges. This paper examines these challenges and opportunities and evaluates the ways in which the EU and China promote connectivity in the South Caucasus and wider Eastern Neighbourhood.