Bucharest, 18 september 2008 The Institut Francais from Bucharest

In the light of the new world order, set in after the recognition of the independence of Kosovo, the conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia embodies a new stage in the evolution of the relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation, on one side, and between Georgia and international organisations on the other side. This Caucasus crisis might change the face of regional politics, given the fact that it starts the hare on frozen conflicts in the area. Moreover, the recognition of South Osetia’s and Abkhazia’s independence by the Russian Federation might create some risky precedents in the states that collate with separatist inclinations.

In this context, the European Union plays the part of a mediator between the two sides, the challenge being to find a common language and to find the way to reach to a consensus between the Russian Federation and Georgia, without damaging the relations between the EU and the Kremlin.

The actuality of this context makes us responsible, as voice of the civic society in a EU member country, of concurring to the debate on the Georgian crisis in Romania. Therefore, alongside our special guest, president Jean-Dominique GIULIANI, we welcome the presence of Ms Norica Nicolai, vice-president of the Romanian Senate, Mr Radu Anton Campeanu, member of the Foreign Affairs Comitee of the Romanian Senate, Mr Iulian Chifu, president of the Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning and Mr Luca Niculescu, editor in-chief of Radio France International Romania.

Participants:

• Students of Political Sciences and Journalism faculties
• NGO representatives
• Journalists specialised in the European Union
• Diplomates