Gunther Fehlinger, the chairman of the Austrian Committee for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Enlargement, has called on Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to consider joining NATO, the European Union (EU), and even the Eurozone.
His comments come at a time when the South Caucasus region is going through major changes.
South Caucasus Undergoes Changes
The long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has eased after the 2025 peace deal, which ended many years of fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh.
As the conflict continues to ease, Armenia has passed a law to begin the process of joining the EU. The South Caucasus nation has also signed a new agreement to strengthen its political and economic ties with Europe.
On the other hand, Georgia has continued to make progress with NATO, participating in joint training programs under the Substantial NATO-Georgia Package.
Azerbaijan, meanwhile, remains a key energy supplier to Europe, thereby strengthening its economic ties to the West. However, it also maintains close ties with powerful neighboring countries, making its direction more complex than Armenia’s or Georgia’s.
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Growing Pressure on Putin and Trump
Fehlinger’s remarks come amid increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump over the progress made in resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s influence in the region appears to be weakening, with Azerbaijan adopting military practices similar to NATO’s and Armenia strengthening its ties with Europe.
In response, the Kremlin has warned that any further expansion of the alliance could lead to serious tensions. At the same time, President Trump, known for his “America First” approach, faces a tough decision on whether to support new countries joining, as his administration works to counter the influence of Russia and Iran.
Gunther Fehlinger is known for supporting the expansion of NATO to strengthen security in Europe. He has previously spoken in favor of admitting countries such as Ukraine and several in the Balkans as members.
The South Caucasus, rich in oil and gas, sits between Europe, Russia, and Asia, making it a highly strategic region.
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Since the 2025 peace deal and other political shifts, Armenia has been moving away from its old alliances; Georgia continues to work toward joining Western institutions; and Azerbaijan is balancing its economic links with the West against its traditional partnerships.
NATO’s Growing Role in the Region
NATO is becoming increasingly vital in the South Caucasus as these countries seek stronger security and political partnerships with the West.
The alliance works with Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan through various cooperation programs that provide training, advice, and support to modernize their defense systems.
Georgia has the closest partnership, participating in regular training and long‑term security projects. Armenia and Azerbaijan also participate in some NATO activities, each choosing the level of cooperation that best fits their needs.
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