Within the Network for Developing European Studies in the Caucasus (DESCnet) project Political Science and International Relations Department organized 3-day lecture sessions with Dr. Stefano Braghiroli, Lecturer of European Studies at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies of the University of Tartu.

On October 16, 2018, on the first day of the session, Dr. Stefano Braghiroli delivered a lecture on “Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU and EU-NATO relations”. The students were informed about the foreign policy, defence diplomacy of the EU, historical development of the CFSP of the EU, EU-NATO relations, the role of NATO in the territorial defence of Europe.

On October 17, 2018, the lecture by the guest speaker, entitled “EU-Russia relations” provided an insight into Russia and the EU relations, mutual political influence and financial link of the two powers. During the meeting, he also analyzed the relations of some individual member states of the EU and Russia, effects of bilateral relations on the EU-Russia relations.

After the second lecture, Dr. Stefano Braghiroli met with Dr. Hassan Niknafs, Rector of Khazar University. At the meeting, he was informed about the history of Khazar University, its degree programs, research capacity, and international relations. Also, mutual collaboration opportunities on student and staff exchange, establishment of double-degree programs and research between Khazar University and Tartu University were discussed during the meeting. The meeting was also attended by Raziya Isayeva, Director of Development Center; Elmar Mustafayev, Coordinator of the Department of Political Science and International Relations.

On October 18, 2018, the last day of the session was dedicated to the European Neighbourhood Policy and Eastern Partnership. The students were briefed on the evolution of the ENP, the dialogue between the EU and EaP countries on political and economic cooperation, security and migration, mobility, visa facilitation and readmission.

All lectures concluded with questions from the audience.