EU follows “real politics” principle in the South Caucasus. We may assert that EU used human principles within the Union but in the Caucasus its priority is energy profit, political expert Narek Galstyan told the journalists today, commenting on agreement on gas supplies reached by EU and Azerbaijan.  

According to Galstyan, despite experts’ assertions Nabucco pipeline will not become an alternative to Russian South Stream, as they are not equal from the viewpoint of their importance and capacity. “There is a controversy inside the EU as Germany and France prefer Russian gas, whereas countries of southern and central Europe – Nabucco. In this context, regional policy referring to Nabucco project will be very interesting. It will lead to an increase of EU’s influence in the region, but I do not think that EU can play such role as U.S. or Russia do,” he said.

The expert did not rule out possibility that operation of Nabucco pipeline will affect the Karabakh peace process. However, it will not cause Azerbaijan to unleash a war. “EU cannot make investments in the region and allow hostilities here. The Union takes steps to establish regional peace as a blow of only one missile can suspend gas supply to Europe for a long period of time,” he concluded.