Repression is intensifying in Georgia: following an attempt to introduce a Russian-inspired foreign agents law, targeted attacks on civil society, protesters, and independent media have ensued. Civic space is increasingly being restricted – through surveillance, legal crackdowns, and the targeted persecution of critical voices. To withstand this crucial fight for democracy, Georgian civil society now urgently needs clear and decisive support from Europe. Ivane Chkhikvadze from the Civil Society Foundation analyzes this escalation and outlines concrete expectations towards the EU.
The EU risks losing Russia’s frozen assets as sanctions near expiration. Legal experts confirm transferring these funds to Ukraine is lawful and would enforce Russia’s reparations obligation. Seizing the assets could bolster international law and strengthen Ukraine financially and military. Yulia Ziskina asks if the EU will act before it is too late.
As US President Donald Trump moves to reshape transatlantic ties, experts warn that the EU must unite to counter global threats. Following Germany’s elections, RFI’s Jan van der Made spoke with Ralf Fücks about how Europe should respond to Washington’s shifting stance.
In our first Transatlantic Online Dialogue, hosted by Ambassador John Herbst together with Ralf Fücks (Center for Liberal Modernity), we had a rich and constructive discussion on the future of the transatlantic partnership, thanks to Marie Mendras, Ambassador Daniel Fried, Michael Gahler, and Robin Wagner.
Trump celebrates himself above all in his State of the Union speech. His executive orders have not only plunged his country into uncertainty and insecurity since he took office. While Trump and his MAGA people are still on their honeymoon, the discontent with his policies – both domestic and foreign – is growing and the devastating consequences are increasingly being felt. Where is the US opposition and from where is there resistance from within the liberal, pro-democratic ranks? Our political analyst, Jackson Janes, looks at the mood in his country from Washington.
Over the heads of the Europeans, Trump and Putin are currently trying to divide up not only Ukraine, but also the dominance of “Greater Europe” between them. It is high time for the EU to enter the negotiations forcefully and with a clear concept. Germany must play a prominent role alongside France and Poland as soon as possible, including militarily, demands former German diplomat Johannes Regenbrecht. He analyzes the traditions of thought that guide Trump and Putin and which need to be understood in order to decisively oppose their plans.
It is her own personal story that gives hope: Israeli Tzipi Diskind was born in Jerusalem and is a member of the ultra-religious Haredim. According to the mother of four, her religious community could play a special mediating role in the conflict with the Palestinians. After all, they have a lot in common with religious Muslims, she says. Empathy and trust, above all, are needed so that dialog between Israelis and Palestinians can succeed, as Tzipi Diskind writes. She believes in a peaceful solution to the conflict — despite the extremely difficult political situation.
Samer Abdelrazzak Sinijlawi grew up during the first intifada. He was imprisoned as a teenager. It was in prison that he got to know the other, the Israeli view of the conflict. Despite the current political situation, he believes in a peaceful solution between Israelis and Palestinians — with the help of a dialog based on trust and mutual empathy. The West can also contribute, he says.
