European Diplomacy: Mediocrity of Diplomatic Action in Syria

- Presentation speakers
  - Elena Tilovska-Kechedzi, Faculty of Law, University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bitola, Macedonia
Abstract:

The Syrian crisis is the most horrifying scenario and it is on the top of the global agenda calling for help. The EU has strongly condemned the violent acts by the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and the terror of Da’esh (the Islamic State). It has been involved in the resolution process of the crisis, giving humanitarian aid to Syria, helping the Syrian refugees and is a mediator in the Geneva Process. But is all these enough? Is the European diplomacy a mediocrity or something else in the case of Syria? It is extremely important in today’s globalizing world that the EU stays a global foreign policy actor and not only a mediator or a soft power and it should prove to itself and to the international community that it can be a powerful global actor and present excellent diplomatic skills. That chance is given to the EU with the Geneva process, by leading the peace initiative and by promoting its diplomacy. Effective diplomacy will demand compromises that will aim to secure an international settlement. This has to be done by bringing the Syrian and regional participants on the same table. The challenges to the diplomatic success are big but Europe should promote the idea of peace and stability in Syria and not in any case fall under the temptation to trap Russia into a swamp, in which it can fall itself.