Team Europe in the South Caucasus: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Growing criticism of developed countries for vaccine nationalism challenges the validity of their support to developing partners. This contribution analyzes the changes the European Commission introduced to improve its crisis responsiveness and coordinate the assistance provided by the European Union member states and institutions. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, "Team Europe" initiative has far-reaching geopolitical objectives to be achieved by increasing the competitiveness and influence of European aid abroad. In the South Caucasus, Team Europe has provided significant social and economic support to three countries, though not enough to expand the role of the EU in the region vis-à-vis Russia, Turkey, and China. Due to its clear shortcomings, including a poor balance between the EU and partner countries' interests and coordination problems, Team Europe has thus far contributed in only a limited fashion to strengthening the position of the EU and its agenda in the South Caucasus.