Grono: For the European Union, the importance of the South Caucasus is undeniable

ArmInfo. For the European Union, the importance of the South Caucasus is undeniable. This was stated by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Magdalena Grono, in her speech at the 3rd Forum of the South Caucasus Regional Dialogue.

According to her, this has been the case for a long time, but now broader geopolitical challenges in neighboring regions underscore this importance.

"We are increasingly committed to continuing deep cooperation in bilateral relations, and in particular at the regional level." "As for conflict resolution processes, in the context of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations they are bilateral in nature, but there are many opportunities to support initiatives at a practical level, and this is precisely what we are doing," she added, according to commonspace.eu.

Gronno stated that since the signing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a significant opportunity has opened up in the region for the two countries to leave behind the legacy of conflict and to truly advance regional cooperation in a regional format.

According to her, in a format focused on East and West, and not just the Caspian Sea and Europe.

"There are many very specific sectoral areas where progress has been and will be possible, from border delimitation to trade and transport infrastructure. The latter element is an important strategic priority for the EU. "But it is equally important to work with societies in a way that makes them feel comfortable with a lasting, just, and sustainable peace," she added.

Around sixty participants, including ambassadors, officials, experts, and civil society activists from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as well as representatives of the international community, participated in the 3rd South Caucasus Regional Dialogue Forum, which was held in a hybrid format in Yerevan and online. Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Lasha Darsalia served as the keynote speaker. Ambassador Magdalena Grono, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, also addressed the forum.

The third forum built on the success of the first forum, held in Kachreti in August 2023 and in Tbilisi in October 2025, with some of the participants from those two events also attending the third forum. The forum will continue in Tbilisi in early 2027.