Southern Caucuses
I) Latest developments
II) General context
The relationship between the EU and the Southern Caucasus ( Armenia , Azerbaijanand Georgia) is conducted within the framework of the Partnership Cooperation Agreements (PCA) which entered into force on 1 July 1999. These legal frameworks are based on the respect of democratic principles and human rights, setting out the political, economic and trade relationship between the EU and its partner countries. Provisions relevant to JLS issues in the PCA commit each party to cooperate on matters relating to democracy and human rights. Through technical assistance programmes, cooperation shall support strengthening the rule of law, and the functioning of the judiciary.
Following a recommendation made by the Commission, the Council decided in June 2004 to offer the Southern Caucasus the opportunity to participate to the European Neighbourhood Policy. Since the adoption by the Council in October 2006 of ENP Action Plans that had been agreed with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, relations are intensifying in this framework. These Action Plans include substantive JLS elements, i.e. border management, migration, fight against organised crime, reform of the judiciary, fight against corruption and police and judicial cooperation.
The major JHA programme at regional level is the Southern Caucasus Anti-Drug programme (SCAD). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is implementing SCAD V (EC provides 90% of this programme's 1.9 million EUR). A new Southern Caucasus Integrated Border Management programme (SCIBM) was agreed in October 2007. The implementing consortium, lead by UNDP, was selected end of 2008. The programme has a regional dimension focusing on capacity building and training with the bulk of activities carried out on the bilateral (Armenia-Georgia and Azerbaijan-Georgia) and three national components (6 million EUR).
Formal dialogue on JLS takes place through annual Cooperation Councils and Cooperation Committees with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Also, with this last country, an EU-Georgia Subcommittee on Justice, Freedom and Security meets since 2008.
In June 2008, the Council has invited the Commission to open a dialogue with Georgia to launch a Mobility Partnership; discussions on its establishment are ongoing since April 2009. After the events of August 2008, the Extraordinary European Council of 1 September 2008 called for visa facilitation for citizens of Georgia. In November 2008, the European Commission obtained negotiating directives to negotiate visa facilitation and readmission agreements with Georgia. Formal negotiations of these agreements were opened on 2 April 2009.
Discussions are underway with Armenia and Azerbaijan in view to upgrade bilateral relations in the area of justice and home affairs.