Georgia in 2010: Where Now for Democratic Development?

Three years ago, Georgia confirmed its European orientation by publicly cosigning an Action Plan which committed it to reforms designed to bring the country closer to the EU.

Since then, Georgia has faced serious tests of its commitment to political reform and challenges to its internal stability. A war with Russia in August 2008 threatened Georgia's territorial integrity and statehood; the slowing pace of democratic reforms and constriction of space for democratic political participation have challenged Georgia's commitment to follow the reforms defined in framework of the ENP and led to frequent confrontations between government and opposition.

As the EU and Georgia deepen their relationship further through the new Eastern Partnership, including the negotiations on visa facilitation and the prospect of an Association Agreement, civil society representatives will present a preliminary monitoring report to Brussels decision-makers detailing—by sector—key reforms which remain to be enacted and which must be enacted to keep the EU-Georgia Action Plan on track.

At this OSI event, speakers will also address broader questions arising from recent developments in Georgia, and outline the crucial, constructive role that can be played by civil society in harnessing European frameworks—such as the ENP and Eastern Partnership—for realizing the reform agenda over the longer term.

Speakers

• Shorena Lortkipanidze, International Centre on Conflict and Negotiation, Tbilisi
• Nino Danelia, Georgian Institute of Public Affairs
• Revaz Sakhevarishvili, Radio Liberty, Tbilisi

The discussion will be moderated by Jacqueline Hale, Policy Officer, Open Society Institute-Brussels.

Location

Aprodev
Boulevard Charlemagne 28
Brussels