Democracy and geopolitics at stake
In October two of the newest EU candidate countries, Moldova and Georgia, face elections set to be decisive not only for their internal political development on a declared path towards democracy, but for their geopolitical orientation as well. The election results will also be consequential for the future of the EU’s relations with these countries and have wider implications for the bloc’s geopolitical standoff with Russia.
This alert examines the issues at stake in both elections and argues that they are crucial not only for the countries’ future development course, but also for the EU’s geopolitical and democratic aspirations in Eastern Europe. The EU is advised not only to closely monitor these elections, but also to devise strategies for the potential outcomes.
About the author:
Marina Ohanjanyan is a Senior Research Fellow at Clingendael’s Security Unit, focusing mostly on the developments in and surrounding Russia and Eastern Europe.