After Crimea’s Integration into Russia: What Future for Abkhazia?

A group of nine students from the Abkhazian State University is visiting the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Free University of Brussels). They are from the Department of International Relations. The political discussions in Abkhazia - as here in the European Union - are at present dominated by the events in Ukraine. There is renewed Western speculation on the question if Abkhazia and/or South Ossetia will likewise be integrated into the Russian Federation, as it is presently the case for Crimea. Is such a discussion also taking place in Abkhazia? And would such an option be in line with the principle of national self-determination that the Abkhaz defend? These are questions the students from Abkhazia - who are generally opposed to such an option insofar as Abkhazia is concerned - would very much like to discuss with you. They are eager to know more about your views on the events in Ukraine and the future of Crimea. They want to give their opinion on the EU's policy of ‘engagement without recognition’ in the non-recognised entities Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Another issue to be addressed is the impact of non-recognition on the life of young Abkhaz.
This workshop is co-organised by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung has been working for many years on conflict resolution and second track diplomacy in the South Caucasus region, including in Abkhazia. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel has an inter-university agreement with the Abkhazian State University. It coordinates an exchange of lecturers with this university, with the financial support of the European Union.

This workshop is targeted at students, young professionals, interns, assistants and other young people under 30.