Europe Inside Out
Can the EU Outmaneuver Russia Around the Black Sea?
Jan 22, 2025
Dimitar Bechev is a senior fellow at Carnegie Europe focusing on EU enlargement and Eastern Europe, while Thomas de Waal specializes in the Caucasus region. They dive into the geopolitical dynamics of Georgia and Moldova, emphasizing Russia's growing influence and the complexities of Moldova's energy crisis. The discussion also covers the EU's enlargement strategy, exploring how external factors, including US politics, affect regional stability and the EU's role in countering Russian tactics in the Black Sea.
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Quick takeaways
- Georgia's political crisis highlights the challenges of EU integration amid increasing authoritarianism and Russian influence in the region.
- Moldova's upcoming elections are critical, as Russian interference poses significant risks to its pro-EU trajectory and stability.
Deep dives
Georgia's Shift Toward Russia
Georgia has experienced a notable shift in its political landscape, marked by its ruling party's increasingly authoritarian stance and a retreat from EU accession talks. Protests erupted in late 2024 following the Georgian Dream Party's decision to freeze EU membership discussions until 2028, despite strong public support for EU integration. The political crisis is exacerbated by allegations of electoral fraud that allowed Georgian Dream to maintain power, resulting in a situation where two presidents claim legitimacy. This crisis reflects a growing inclination towards Russia, as the Georgian government seeks to balance its relations with both Western and Eastern powers amid ongoing protests and potential sanctions.
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