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Category: Articles and Commentary

“Peace is only possible based on justice”

Peace and democracy are not a given, but a result of political action. This is a lesson from Ukraine to the world.

December 7, 2023 - Tamara Zlobina

The power and impotence of “open societies” – a historical reflection on current events

A few years after its greatest triumph – the overcoming of the European divide as a result of the peaceful revolutions in Eastern Europe – the European idea experienced an ever-deepening erosion: "Europe has run out of a narrative," said Munich political scientist Werner Weidenfeld in 2018. It was the solidarity with Ukraine, which was invaded in February 2022, that was supposed to help the "open societies" get off to a new start. However, the autocratic enemies of these societies are also currently experiencing a process of consolidation.

December 5, 2023 - Leonid Luks

Tbilisi as a venue for Azerbaijani-Armenian negotiations?

Georgia has maintained a policy of neutrality for many years when it comes to the Karabakh conflict. Having acted as a mediator on certain occasions in the past, Tbilisi could now host talks that provide a proper solution to its neighbours’ ongoing dispute.

December 4, 2023 - Nicholas Chkhaidze

The EU bet on the Georgian people with its candidacy decision

The European Commission recommended that the Council grant Georgia candidate status in December. However, the Commission’s report involved little to no praise for the Georgian government in most of the priority areas and set out further reforms for the future. The EU narrative directly portrayed the Georgian people as those who have received this new status. Overall, Brussels hopes that the candidacy decision will encourage the society to demand progress rather than appease the government.

November 30, 2023 - Soso Chachanidze

Back to the future?: the return of David Cameron and Ukraine

The return of former British Prime Minister David Cameron to frontline politics has surprised observers at home and abroad. Taking up the position of foreign minister, the veteran politician will now oversee the country’s ongoing support for Ukraine. Such a role will undoubtedly be overshadowed by his failure to deter Russian aggression in 2014.

November 28, 2023 - Niall Gray

Three focus areas for Moldova’s EU-integration

The beginning of Moldova’s official accession negotiations with the EU will mark a pivotal moment in the country’s history. Despite this, full membership is still not an inevitability. Brussels must subsequently help Moldova to reform key areas of its society throughout the process.

November 27, 2023 - Amanda Sonesson Ion Manole

Montenegro’s new government: another step closer to Belgrade 

At first glance, the formation of Montenegro’s new government appears to represent a victory for pro-western forces in the country. Despite this, the new coalition is ultimately propped up by groups with close links to both Serbia and Russia.

November 21, 2023 - Kenneth Morrison Srdja Pavlović

Doom and gloom for Georgia’s EU candidacy?

Despite its claims to be willing to implement all the necessary reforms for EU candidacy, the Georgian government’s measures have been slow. Substantial progress has been missing in the areas where strong political will is required. While Georgia is awaiting the European Commission’s recommendation on granting it EU candidate status, much work is yet to be done.

More than a year has passed since Georgia submitted its application to obtain EU candidate status. The announcement followed a similar move by Ukraine in the wake of the Russian aggression, which led to a historic opportunity for other countries which aspired to obtain EU membership. Soon, Moldova demonstrated its interest in applying for candidacy as well.

November 19, 2023 - Soso Dzamukashvili

Georgian Dream’s shenanigans continue

The past year has seen the Georgian Dream administration engage in a variety of questionable actions. Ranging from laws on “foreign agents” to spreading conspiracy theories, it appears that these moves are designed to question the country’s pro-western orientation. Georgia’s citizens must now use the ballot box to challenge this record of mismanagement.

November 17, 2023 - Mark Temnycky

Romania’s Plauru hamlet: a collateral victim of the Russian invasion

Over the past two months, Romania has been a victim of the Russian army's clumsiness. Several Shahed drones have crashed in the hamlet of Plauru, on NATO territory. Local residents now live in const ant fear of future attacks.

November 15, 2023 - Théodore Donguy

Bulgaria must seize the moment and tackle Russian influence

Bulgaria has usually been viewed as one of the most corrupt states in the European Union. This has often been blamed on Russian influence, and it continues to challenge the country’s democracy. Despite this, Sofia now does seem to be making progress in tackling these closely connected problems.

November 13, 2023 - Eguiar Lizundia Graham Scott

The “Sled Dogs” of reform: civil society organisations transforming Ukraine

Civil society organisations are major drivers of democratic reforms in Ukraine. Underestimating the potential of this resourceful sector to impact and co-shape both internal reform and the EU integration agenda would be a strategic mistake for the EU and Kyiv’s other international partners. What can the international community do to maximise the capacities of civil society in Ukraine?

November 10, 2023 - Mykhailo Zhernakov Oksana Huss

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