All Articles on "Europe and South Caucasus" Strategic sovereignty in the EU’s Southeastern neighborhood: The Black Sea as part of a larger geopolitical region As part of a larger geopolitical region, the Wider Black Sea requires greater commitment from the EU in the areas of security, renewable energy, and connectivity. By Dr. Stefan Meister "Die Regierungen wissen, dass ihre Systeme das nicht stemmen" Im Südkaukasus wurde früh mit Restriktionen auf die Covid-19-Ausbreitung reagiert. Wie gehen Armenien, Georgien und die Diktatur Aserbaidschan durch die Corona-Pandemie? Covid-19 in the South Caucasus – fast reactions and authoritarian reflexes All three countries of the South Caucasus have weak social systems. Many people work in precarious jobs in the service sector, tourism and agriculture. By Dr. Stefan Meister The International Dimension of Regional Conflicts: The cases of Georgia and Ukraine Post-Soviet conflict zones have internal and external dimensions. Internally, countries have to deal with the IDPs, a constant threat of spillover effects from the disputed territories and the human dimension of conflicts. Externally, other players use these conflicts to manipulate and control the affected countries. Georgia and the EU - Looking for a Common Vision for the EaP On October 10, hbs Tbilisi Office organized the public discussion: Georgia and the EU – Looking for a Common Vision for the Eastern Partnership (EaP). Eastern Partnership 2.0 – Upgrading the ambitions and impact on the neighborhood Read in Georgian By Dr. Stefan Meister The Eastern Partnership: What’s next for Georgia? Read in Georgian By Vano Chkhikvadze Wir, nichteuropäische Europäer Für Georgien war der Gastlandauftritt auf der diesjährigen Frankfurter Buchmesse, der größten der Welt, vor allem ein politischer Erfolg. By Giorgi Maisuradze Armenian Unfinished Revolution Ishkanian's article "Armenian Unfinished Revolution" is discussing how Pashinyan with a small group of supporters, was able to mobilize a movement that brought about Sargsyan’s resignation. Read in Armenian By Armine Ishkanian Հայաստանի շարունակվող հեղափոխությունը «Հեղափոխությունը․․․ վերջ տվեց հուսահատությանը, ապատիային և անտարբերությանը, որ բնորոշ էին դարձել հետ-խորհրդային շրջանին»։ By Դոկտոր Արմինե Իշխանյանը Deutsch-Georgische Beziehungen in turbulenten Zeiten – Was bleibt, was ändert sich? Deutschland hat sich in den vergangenen zwei Jahren verändert. Dies zeigte sich auch am Ergebnis der Bundestagswahl. Für Georgien wäre es wichtig, diese Veränderungen in seiner Außenpolitik zu bedenken, um seine Interessen in Berlin und Brüssel umsetzen zu können. ქართულად By Silvia Stöber Fait Accompli On July 13-14, the 14th International Conference “Georgia’s European Way” will take place in Batumi. The event enables an important exchange and a joint discussion among government and civil society actors from Georgia and its partner countries on progress achieved and challenges remaining on the former’s road to European integration. We present an in-depth analysis of these perspectives in Ivane Chkhikvadze’s telling article. By Vano Chkhikvadze The South Caucasus and the EU – Different Paths for Each Country The three South Caucasus countries have taken different routes towards integration into the European Union. The different approaches obstruct a common action for further integration into the EU. By Vano Chkhikvadze After the Brexit: Quo vadis, EU? Great Britain will leave the EU. What does that mean for European Union going forward? What can be done to strengthen political unity within the Union? A commentary by Ralf Fücks. By Ralf Fücks Dare to Take Charge: The EU, Areas of Conflict in International Politics, and the Case for Assuming Greater Responsibility We cannot quarantine ourselves from the instability that reigns south and east of Europe. Europe must strike a new balance between idealistic foreign policy and realism. The opening address of the 17th Annual Foreign Policy Conference. By Ralf Fücks Strategies for Armenian-Georgian Cooperation through Academia and Student Inclusion (2015-2017) (closed project) Strategies for Armenian-Georgian Cooperation through Academia and Student Inclusion is the project supported by the South Caucasus Regional Office of the Heinrich Boell Foundation and implemented by Hazarashen Center for Ethnological Studies in cooperation with the Center of Civilization and Cultural Studies and Association of Anthropologists of Georgia. Islamic State and Georgia's Muslim community The emergence of the Islamic State implies significant political and geographic transformation. Georgia as a territory is not in the spotlight of these changes unless appropriate conditions take shape, in particular, if they win a big number of supporters. By Ruslan Baramidze The Memory of the Armenian Genocide as Taught in Armenian Schools: Textbooks, School Rituals and Iconography The theme of Armenian Genocide is currently taught in Armenian schools in eighth grade history classes. Though according to the recent field observations, the 100th anniversary commemoration reveals a considerable shift from what used to be, something, which deserves deeper analysis in the future. By Satenik Mkrtchyan Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and its Public Perceptions: Preliminary Observations The amount of materials regarding the perceptions of various Genocide commemoration initiatives by different social groups in Armenia is huge in terms of quantity, diversity and ever-changing quality. The variety of initiatives, their scope and coverage spanning from one-time grassroots events, ongoing regular activities and all-encompassing government interventions to internal political and social debates, in addition to cultural undertakings and worldwide campaigns for Armenian Genocide recognition by different states and prominent individuals. Public sentiment constantly evolves under the growing pressure of commemoration activities. By Lusine Kharatyan Armenia-Turkey Dialogue: Against Many Odds? Armenia and Turkey have close historical ties. Despite all ups and downs at the official level, changing governments in the offices of Armenia and Turkey and usually mutually hostile rhetoric – especially on the eve of Centenary of the Armenian Genocide – the two countries are historically inseparable. By Izabella Sargsyan Remembering and Demanding: How Armenia and the Diaspora are Approaching the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide In spring 2015 the streets of Yerevan are full of images of forget-me-nots, the symbol chosen for Genocide remembrance, often accompanied by the motto “Remember and demand.” The meaning of the first part of this statement is obvious for all Armenians: honoring the memory of victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915. By Mikael Zolian Armenia’s Eurasian Choice: Is the EU Integration Still at Stake? Since a controversial decision to sacrifice an Association Agreement with the EU in favor of joining the then-Customs Union, Armenia has gradually comes to terms with its new, more limited position. By Richard Giragosian Energy Transit and Security Imbalance in South Caucasus: The Road between Russia and the European Union In recent years, the South Caucasus energy transit corridor has occupied a significant place within the formation of the European Union’s energy security system. By Tamar Pataraia Solidarity Network for LGBTI in Armenia and Georgia (2015-2017) (closed project) The Heinrich Böll Foundation South Caucasus Regional Office, with financial support of the EU, has initiated the implementation and overall supervision of a three-year action Solidarity Network for LGBTI in Armenia and Georgia, executed by a working group of NGOs - Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group (WISG), Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) in Georgia and Society Without Violence (SWV) and Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK) in Armenia. Germany and Russia: as much cooperation as possible; as much conflict as necessary The German public's empathy or antipathy for the Ukrainian revolt against the Yanukovych regime is blanketed by a deeper difference: the view of Russia. As in earlier periods of German history, Germany’s relationship with the West is reflected in Russian politics. By Ralf Fücks The Games are over! Beware of the Peace? Russia and the South Caucasus after the Sochi Olympics With the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius (Lithuania) approaching on November 28-29, 2013, the South Caucasus Regional Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) aims to give insiders’ views on state of Armenia's, Azerbaijan's and Georgia's integration into the European community. By Malkhaz Saldadze Report on the Implementation of Georgia’s European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan Georgian NGO Coalition (TI Georgia, ISFED, GYLA, Green Alternative, CSRDG) presents Report on the Implementation of Georgia’s European Neighbourhood Action Plan (2009). The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the Georgian Government’s implementation of the ENP Action Plan. The Reform of the European Neighborhood Policy The purpose of this policy paper is to draft a proposal on the reform of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) towards the EU’s Eastern neighbours. This policy paper will explain why the EU needs a comprehensive regional dimension of its Eastern neighbourhood policy; identify the flaws in the existing framework and suggest recommendations for its improvement. Europe and South Caucasus The perception of the EU in the South Caucasus has changed significantly since summer 2008 when then President of the Council of the EU, Nicolas Sarkozy, brokered the cease fire agreement between Russia and Georgia. The South Caucasus on the Crossroads: Where Will the Road to Vilnius Lead? With the EaP Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, approaching on November 28-29, 2013, the South Caucasus Regional Office of the HBF aims to give insiders’ views on state of Armenia's, Azerbaijan's and Georgia's integration into the European community. Electoral Challenges for Democratic Development of Georgia: A Test to Measure the Efficiency of the European Neighborhood Policy “How can we avoid the threats that we face in the next two weeks? How can we protect democracy in our country?” Georgia and Its Future in Europe 80% of Georgia’s population supports EU integration. Moreover, 88% of Georgia’s population thinks that Georgia should become an EU member. However, how the country can join the EU and what steps should be undertaken for a closer integration with the EU remains unclear to the broader public. Eastern Partnership: Where´s the Common Ground? After the Prague Summit of May 2009 the relationship between the EU and its eastern neighbor countries have entered new grounds.
Strategic sovereignty in the EU’s Southeastern neighborhood: The Black Sea as part of a larger geopolitical region As part of a larger geopolitical region, the Wider Black Sea requires greater commitment from the EU in the areas of security, renewable energy, and connectivity. By Dr. Stefan Meister
"Die Regierungen wissen, dass ihre Systeme das nicht stemmen" Im Südkaukasus wurde früh mit Restriktionen auf die Covid-19-Ausbreitung reagiert. Wie gehen Armenien, Georgien und die Diktatur Aserbaidschan durch die Corona-Pandemie?
Covid-19 in the South Caucasus – fast reactions and authoritarian reflexes All three countries of the South Caucasus have weak social systems. Many people work in precarious jobs in the service sector, tourism and agriculture. By Dr. Stefan Meister
The International Dimension of Regional Conflicts: The cases of Georgia and Ukraine Post-Soviet conflict zones have internal and external dimensions. Internally, countries have to deal with the IDPs, a constant threat of spillover effects from the disputed territories and the human dimension of conflicts. Externally, other players use these conflicts to manipulate and control the affected countries.
Georgia and the EU - Looking for a Common Vision for the EaP On October 10, hbs Tbilisi Office organized the public discussion: Georgia and the EU – Looking for a Common Vision for the Eastern Partnership (EaP).
Eastern Partnership 2.0 – Upgrading the ambitions and impact on the neighborhood Read in Georgian By Dr. Stefan Meister
Wir, nichteuropäische Europäer Für Georgien war der Gastlandauftritt auf der diesjährigen Frankfurter Buchmesse, der größten der Welt, vor allem ein politischer Erfolg. By Giorgi Maisuradze
Armenian Unfinished Revolution Ishkanian's article "Armenian Unfinished Revolution" is discussing how Pashinyan with a small group of supporters, was able to mobilize a movement that brought about Sargsyan’s resignation. Read in Armenian By Armine Ishkanian
Հայաստանի շարունակվող հեղափոխությունը «Հեղափոխությունը․․․ վերջ տվեց հուսահատությանը, ապատիային և անտարբերությանը, որ բնորոշ էին դարձել հետ-խորհրդային շրջանին»։ By Դոկտոր Արմինե Իշխանյանը
Deutsch-Georgische Beziehungen in turbulenten Zeiten – Was bleibt, was ändert sich? Deutschland hat sich in den vergangenen zwei Jahren verändert. Dies zeigte sich auch am Ergebnis der Bundestagswahl. Für Georgien wäre es wichtig, diese Veränderungen in seiner Außenpolitik zu bedenken, um seine Interessen in Berlin und Brüssel umsetzen zu können. ქართულად By Silvia Stöber
Fait Accompli On July 13-14, the 14th International Conference “Georgia’s European Way” will take place in Batumi. The event enables an important exchange and a joint discussion among government and civil society actors from Georgia and its partner countries on progress achieved and challenges remaining on the former’s road to European integration. We present an in-depth analysis of these perspectives in Ivane Chkhikvadze’s telling article. By Vano Chkhikvadze
The South Caucasus and the EU – Different Paths for Each Country The three South Caucasus countries have taken different routes towards integration into the European Union. The different approaches obstruct a common action for further integration into the EU. By Vano Chkhikvadze
After the Brexit: Quo vadis, EU? Great Britain will leave the EU. What does that mean for European Union going forward? What can be done to strengthen political unity within the Union? A commentary by Ralf Fücks. By Ralf Fücks
Dare to Take Charge: The EU, Areas of Conflict in International Politics, and the Case for Assuming Greater Responsibility We cannot quarantine ourselves from the instability that reigns south and east of Europe. Europe must strike a new balance between idealistic foreign policy and realism. The opening address of the 17th Annual Foreign Policy Conference. By Ralf Fücks
Strategies for Armenian-Georgian Cooperation through Academia and Student Inclusion (2015-2017) (closed project) Strategies for Armenian-Georgian Cooperation through Academia and Student Inclusion is the project supported by the South Caucasus Regional Office of the Heinrich Boell Foundation and implemented by Hazarashen Center for Ethnological Studies in cooperation with the Center of Civilization and Cultural Studies and Association of Anthropologists of Georgia.
Islamic State and Georgia's Muslim community The emergence of the Islamic State implies significant political and geographic transformation. Georgia as a territory is not in the spotlight of these changes unless appropriate conditions take shape, in particular, if they win a big number of supporters. By Ruslan Baramidze
The Memory of the Armenian Genocide as Taught in Armenian Schools: Textbooks, School Rituals and Iconography The theme of Armenian Genocide is currently taught in Armenian schools in eighth grade history classes. Though according to the recent field observations, the 100th anniversary commemoration reveals a considerable shift from what used to be, something, which deserves deeper analysis in the future. By Satenik Mkrtchyan
Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and its Public Perceptions: Preliminary Observations The amount of materials regarding the perceptions of various Genocide commemoration initiatives by different social groups in Armenia is huge in terms of quantity, diversity and ever-changing quality. The variety of initiatives, their scope and coverage spanning from one-time grassroots events, ongoing regular activities and all-encompassing government interventions to internal political and social debates, in addition to cultural undertakings and worldwide campaigns for Armenian Genocide recognition by different states and prominent individuals. Public sentiment constantly evolves under the growing pressure of commemoration activities. By Lusine Kharatyan
Armenia-Turkey Dialogue: Against Many Odds? Armenia and Turkey have close historical ties. Despite all ups and downs at the official level, changing governments in the offices of Armenia and Turkey and usually mutually hostile rhetoric – especially on the eve of Centenary of the Armenian Genocide – the two countries are historically inseparable. By Izabella Sargsyan
Remembering and Demanding: How Armenia and the Diaspora are Approaching the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide In spring 2015 the streets of Yerevan are full of images of forget-me-nots, the symbol chosen for Genocide remembrance, often accompanied by the motto “Remember and demand.” The meaning of the first part of this statement is obvious for all Armenians: honoring the memory of victims of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915. By Mikael Zolian
Armenia’s Eurasian Choice: Is the EU Integration Still at Stake? Since a controversial decision to sacrifice an Association Agreement with the EU in favor of joining the then-Customs Union, Armenia has gradually comes to terms with its new, more limited position. By Richard Giragosian
Energy Transit and Security Imbalance in South Caucasus: The Road between Russia and the European Union In recent years, the South Caucasus energy transit corridor has occupied a significant place within the formation of the European Union’s energy security system. By Tamar Pataraia
Solidarity Network for LGBTI in Armenia and Georgia (2015-2017) (closed project) The Heinrich Böll Foundation South Caucasus Regional Office, with financial support of the EU, has initiated the implementation and overall supervision of a three-year action Solidarity Network for LGBTI in Armenia and Georgia, executed by a working group of NGOs - Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group (WISG), Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) in Georgia and Society Without Violence (SWV) and Public Information and Need of Knowledge (PINK) in Armenia.
Germany and Russia: as much cooperation as possible; as much conflict as necessary The German public's empathy or antipathy for the Ukrainian revolt against the Yanukovych regime is blanketed by a deeper difference: the view of Russia. As in earlier periods of German history, Germany’s relationship with the West is reflected in Russian politics. By Ralf Fücks
The Games are over! Beware of the Peace? Russia and the South Caucasus after the Sochi Olympics With the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius (Lithuania) approaching on November 28-29, 2013, the South Caucasus Regional Office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) aims to give insiders’ views on state of Armenia's, Azerbaijan's and Georgia's integration into the European community. By Malkhaz Saldadze
Report on the Implementation of Georgia’s European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan Georgian NGO Coalition (TI Georgia, ISFED, GYLA, Green Alternative, CSRDG) presents Report on the Implementation of Georgia’s European Neighbourhood Action Plan (2009). The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the Georgian Government’s implementation of the ENP Action Plan.
The Reform of the European Neighborhood Policy The purpose of this policy paper is to draft a proposal on the reform of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) towards the EU’s Eastern neighbours. This policy paper will explain why the EU needs a comprehensive regional dimension of its Eastern neighbourhood policy; identify the flaws in the existing framework and suggest recommendations for its improvement.
Europe and South Caucasus The perception of the EU in the South Caucasus has changed significantly since summer 2008 when then President of the Council of the EU, Nicolas Sarkozy, brokered the cease fire agreement between Russia and Georgia.
The South Caucasus on the Crossroads: Where Will the Road to Vilnius Lead? With the EaP Summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, approaching on November 28-29, 2013, the South Caucasus Regional Office of the HBF aims to give insiders’ views on state of Armenia's, Azerbaijan's and Georgia's integration into the European community.
Electoral Challenges for Democratic Development of Georgia: A Test to Measure the Efficiency of the European Neighborhood Policy “How can we avoid the threats that we face in the next two weeks? How can we protect democracy in our country?”
Georgia and Its Future in Europe 80% of Georgia’s population supports EU integration. Moreover, 88% of Georgia’s population thinks that Georgia should become an EU member. However, how the country can join the EU and what steps should be undertaken for a closer integration with the EU remains unclear to the broader public.
Eastern Partnership: Where´s the Common Ground? After the Prague Summit of May 2009 the relationship between the EU and its eastern neighbor countries have entered new grounds.
