Europe`s Geopolitical Center Is Shifting Eastward

2026-09-03

The geopolitical center of Europe is shifting eastward, and the importance of Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey for European security is growing, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers in Monaco.

According to Berset, Europe’s new geopolitical axis runs along the 39th parallel north and unites four Council of Europe member states — Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and Turkey.

According to him, these countries are at the crossroads of several important processes at the same time, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and political and economic changes underway in Central Asia.

In this context, Georgia’s location is of particular importance. The country is an important link between Europe and the South Caucasus and is involved in regional transport, energy, and trade processes.

Berse also spoke about the relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting that the countries have the opportunity to turn the progress they have made into sustainable peace. According to him, Armenia and Turkey have also taken steps towards normalizing relations.

He also drew attention to the special role of Turkey in the context of European security, noting that it is impossible to talk about security on the continent without Turkey.

According to Berse, for sustainable peace, only an agreement between states is not enough - trust between societies, protection of human rights, transparency and strong institutions are necessary.

Source: gbc.ge