The Ticking Clock for
Georgia’s European Future

Nach den gefälschten Parla­mentswahlen im Oktober 2024 und dem gewalt­samen Vorgehen des herrschenden Regimes des Georgischen Traums gegen friedliche Demon­stranten steht Georgien am Rande des demokratischen Zusam­men­bruchs. In diesem kritischen Policy Brief beschreibt Sergi Kapanadze, wie der pro-europäische Kurs des Landes durch system­a­tische Wahlma­nip­u­lation, Unter­drückung und demokratischen Rückschritt unter der Kontrolle des Oligarchen Bidzina Ivanishvili entgleist ist. Der Bericht enthält eine prägnante Analyse der Legit­im­ität­skrise Georgiens, der Gewal­tan­wendung des Regimes gegen Demon­stranten und der Auswirkungen seiner Ausrichtung auf russische Inter­essen. Er schließt mit umset­zbaren Empfehlungen für die inter­na­tionale Gemein­schaft, Druck auf das georgische Traum­regime auszuüben, demokratische Kräfte zu unter­stützen und gezielte Sanktionen zu verhängen, um ein weiteres Abgleiten Georgiens in den Autori­tarismus zu verhindern. Dies ist ein dringender Aufruf an den Westen, demokratische Werte zu wahren und Georgien eine europäische Zukunft zu sichern.

The EU accession country Moldova continues to face major security and economic challenges. Our expert, Natalia Stercul, APE, analyses the obstacles on Moldova’s path to Europe, as well as the political situation after the refer­endum and the presi­dential elections. She also warns of Russia’s increasing influence in the upcoming parlia­mentary elections in 2025, as the result of the parlia­mentary elections would have a signif­icant impact on the country’s EU integration.

The future of Europe is at stake in the face of Russian aggression. Germany and Poland should undertake a joint effort for a new European Russia policy, finding common ground despite their entrenched differ­ences. A new start can arise from shared insight and interests, if there is political will.

Populism is on the rise. What does that mean not only for the state of our liberal societies but also for the economy? Is economic growth thinkable under non-democ­ratic rule? Joost Haddinga explores the inter­change of the two. He is awarded first prize for his contri­bution to our essay compe­tition organized by WirtschaftsWoche and Center for Liberal Modernity.

Liberal democracy is navigating through turbulent times as Donald Trump’s renewed victory as well as the strength­ening of right-wing nation­alist forces in Europe make clear. Democrats and liberals must come out of the defensive; the open society needs new impetus. On January 16, together with inter­na­tional guests, we will be discussing what ideas and policies are needed and promising. 

Since 28 November, hundreds of thousands of people in Georgia have been demon­strating every day for democracy and closer ties with Europe – and have been beaten and harassed with massive violence in response. Georgia is at a historic turning point: Will it become Russia’s backyard or a member of free Europe?

Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu and his coalition partners are celebrating Donald Trump’s election victory. But the future US president could still cause headaches for the government in Jerusalem, as our columnist Richard C. Schneider writes.

As a result of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Eastern European countries are stepping up their efforts to join the EU. At our inter­na­tional conference on 13 November, we will be discussing the oppor­tu­nities and challenges of the current EU enlargement policy with inter­na­tional experts.

Given the level of violence and hostility since 7 October, a political solution to the Israeli-Pales­­tinian conflict seems a long way off. At the same time, it is more urgent than ever. Together with experts from the region, a new LibMod project aims to explore the oppor­tu­nities for a two-state solution and for security and cooper­ation in the Middle East.