The South Caucasus in Transition: Connectivity, Regional Cooperation, and European Perspectives

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Date/Time
July 3, 2026
09:30 - 12:00 CEST/CET


 

The South Caucasus is undergoing a profound geopolitical transformation shaped by the aftermath of the Karabakh War 2020 and the evolving regional order amid the Russia-Ukraine War and the Iran conflict. Positioned “between two wars,” the region has become a critical intersection where shifting power balances, emerging transport corridors, and competing geopolitical visions converge. At present, the region is shaped by overlapping external influences, with the EU, China, Russia, Türkiye, and the United States all advancing distinct interests and engagement strategies. 

For Austria and Europe more broadly, these developments carry increasing strategic significance. As the European Union seeks to strengthen its engagement with the South Caucasus through connectivity initiatives, energy partnerships, and support for regional stability, the region has emerged as an important component of Europe’s wider geopolitical and economic landscape. Austria, with its long-standing tradition of diplomacy, dialogue facilitation, and engagement with Eastern Europe and the wider neighbourhood, is well positioned to contribute to discussions on regional cooperation and sustainable peace. 

Against this backdrop, this closed-door roundtable aims to provide a focused and candid exchange among experts and practitioners on the evolving regional dynamics. The discussion will examine post-conflict realities, prospects for sustainable peace, and the implications of emerging regional cooperation initiatives. It will also assess how external actors – particularly European stakeholders – can engage constructively while supporting locally driven formats and fostering long-term regional stability. 

 

Agenda

09:30 – 10:00 | Registration & Welcome Coffee 

10:00 – 10:10 | Welcome Remarks
Friedrich Faulhammer, Chairman of the Board, IDM 

10:10 – 10:20 | Opening Remarks
Rusif Huseynov, Director, Topchubashov Center 

10:20 – 11:45 | Moderated Panel Discussion & Q&A
Moderator: Ninon Bouteloup, Research Associate, IDM 

Panelists: 

  • Federica Mangiameli, Senior Programme Manager, Future of Security Programme, GLOBSEC 
  • Rusif Huseynov, Director, Topchubashov Center 
  • Sebastian Schäffer, Director, IDM 

11:50 – 12:00 | MoU Signing Ceremony
IDM & Topchubashov Center 

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