EU appoints new special representative for South Caucasus

The European Union Council has appointed Magdalena Grono as the new EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia.

The announcement, made by the EU Council's press service, marks a significant transition in the EU's diplomatic efforts in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing the EU Council press service. 

Grono is set to assume her duties on September 1, succeeding Toivo Klaar, whose term concludes on August 31. Klaar has been in the role since 2017, during which he played a key part in facilitating dialogue and promoting stability in the South Caucasus, a region marked by complex geopolitical tensions and conflicts, including the long-standing issues surrounding the disputed territories of Nagorno-Karabakh and the unresolved conflict in Georgia.

Magdalena Grono brings a wealth of experience in international diplomacy and conflict resolution to her new role. Prior to this appointment, she held various positions within the EU's external action services and other international organizations, focusing on peacebuilding and crisis management.

The EU's Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia plays a crucial role in the EU's foreign policy framework, working to support peace and stability in the region. This includes facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties, supporting democratic reforms, and assisting in the implementation of international agreements aimed at resolving regional conflicts.

Grono's appointment comes at a critical time for the South Caucasus, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as ongoing tensions in Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.