Webinar – Date: June 27th, 18.30 – 20.00
Organised in association with Liberal International (BG)
Overview
Since Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, attention has focused quite rightly on the war. But threats and instability abound elsewhere in the region we once called ‘eastern Europe’. In Moldova there are fears of a Russian attack and hopes of EU accession; in Belarus the precarious regime is facing and presenting new difficulties; and in the South Caucasus Georgia’s democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations are in jeopardy, there could be further conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh continues.
This event will examine Russia’s actions and influence over its ‘other’ European neighbours. It will also ask if the new European Political Community can help with regional security.
Speakers
Edward Lucas – Russia’s influence over its European neighbours
Laurence Broers – the South Caucasus and Nagorno-Karabakh
Cristina Gherasimov – Moldova
Sergo Chikhladze PhD – Georgia
Petras Auštrevičius MEP – EU activity in the neighbourhood
Speaker Details
Edward Lucas is PPC for Cities of London and Westminster. His wide experience in European security includes postings to Moscow and the Baltic states. Having worked for the Economist and the BBC, he now writes a column for the Times. Edward will examine Russia’s actual and desired influence over its neighbours. He will look to the future, including the role of the new European Political Community.
Laurence Broers is programme director at Conciliation Resources and associate fellow at Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme. He has over 20 years’ experience as researcher of conflicts and practitioner of peacebuilding initiatives in the South Caucasus.Laurence will discuss current events in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Cristina Gherasimov is Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova. Cristina will discuss current events in Moldova with a focus on Russia’s influence.
Sergo Chikhladze PhD Political and international secretary of political party “Strategy Aghmashenebeli”. He is chief of staff of the parliamentary faction “Reforms Group” at the Parliament of Georgia.
Petras Auštrevičius is a Lithuanian MEP with the Renew Group, a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and a member of Liberal International. Petras will discuss the EU’s involvement in the shared neighbourhood with Russia as well as recent events in countries such as Belarus.
Chair: Irina von Wiese
Irina is Chair of the Liberal International British Group and a former Liberal Democrat MEP for London
Organiser and co-chair: Carol Weaver
Carol is an LIBG executive member, a member of the International Security policy working group and a researcher of the Black Sea Region.
