EU
Unpacked

Security & Defence

Security Action for Europe (SAFE)(Council Regulation (EU) 7926/25

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
June 2025

Council Regulation 7926/25, adopted on 20 May 2025, establishes the Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a landmark mechanism designed to enhance Europe’s defence production, procurement, and strategic autonomy. In light of ongoing threats from Russia and escalating instability in the EU’s neighbourhood, the regulation signals a significant shift towards long-term, collective defence readiness. In this comprehensive and accessible analysis, Dr George Robakidze examines the regulation’s structure, financial architecture, and strategic implications, suggesting how SAFE could transform the EU’s defence landscape and strengthen its role as a credible security actor in an increasingly contested world.

EU strategy for secure, prosperous and resilient Black Sea region

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
June 2025

In this analysis, Dr. Robakidze examines the EU’s new Black Sea strategy as a manifestation of the Union’s evolving geopolitical posture. The strategy integrates security, connectivity through the Global Gateway, and environmental resilience, while linking regional cooperation to the EU enlargement and reform agenda. By aligning with broader EU instruments in defence and neighbourhood policy, it seeks to enhance strategic coherence. Dr. Robakidze underscores that its effectiveness will ultimately depend on implementation capacity, political will in partner countries, and the EU’s internal unity.

White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
May 2025

The Joint White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030, released by the European Commission in March 2025, marks a significant turning point in the EU’s approach to security and defence. Confronted with an increasingly unstable global order and a shifting transatlantic relationship, the EU is called to move beyond its traditional soft power posture and build a credible deterrent based on strategic autonomy and collective strength. In this detailed yet accessible analysis, George Robakidze examines the White Paper’s key messages, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to reinforce Europe’s defence capabilities and ensure its security in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

Democracy & Rule of Law

EU Code of Conduct on Disinformation

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
January 2026

In this analytical overview, Dr George Robakidze examines the EU Code of Conduct on Disinformation as the most developed non-legislative response to online manipulation in the European Union. It explores the policy rationale behind the Code and its evolution from a voluntary initiative into a core pillar of the EU’s digital governance framework. Focusing on demonetisation, transparency in political advertising, platform integrity, and user empowerment, the article shows how the Code operationalises EU values while complementing key legislation such as the Digital Services Act and the AI Act. It argues that the Code represents a systemic, risk-based approach to safeguarding democracy, fair markets, and informed public debate in an increasingly complex information environment.

Analytical Summary of the Cyprus Presidency Program of the Council of the European Union (January–June 2026)

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
January 2026

In this analytical overview, Dr George Robakidze examines the priorities and strategic vision of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (January–June 2026). The article explores how the Presidency frames European strategic autonomy as an enabling principle spanning security and defence, economic competitiveness, energy resilience, social cohesion, and democratic governance. It assesses key policy directions—from defence readiness and maritime security to enlargement, climate resilience, and institutional reform—while highlighting how Cyprus positions the EU as both a credible global actor and a protective political community in an increasingly volatile international environment.

European Democracy Shield (2025)

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
December 2025

In this analytical overview Dr George Robakidze explains the European Democracy Shield, the EU’s comprehensive framework designed to protect democratic systems from growing internal and external threats, including disinformation, cyber-attacks, foreign interference, and AI-driven manipulation. It examines the Shield’s three pillars — threat detection, institutional protection, and societal resilience — and clarifies how new EU instruments, regulations, and the European Centre for Democratic Resilience strengthen the Union’s ability to safeguard elections, media freedom, and civic participation. The text also highlights relevance for EU Member States and candidate countries, including Georgia, and outlines key challenges in implementing this ambitious democratic security agenda.

Commission Guidelines on prohibited artificial intelligence practices established by Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act)

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
September 2025

The European Commission’s new guidelines clarify how to implement the EU Artificial Intelligence Act’s ban on harmful AI practices. Starting from February 2025, certain AI applications are entirely prohibited in the EU because they endanger people’s rights, dignity, and democratic values. In this comprehensive analysis, Dr. George Robakidze details the specifics of the new regulation and banned practices such as manipulative or deceptive AI that influences behaviour; exploitation of vulnerable groups; “social scoring” of citizens; predictive policing of individuals; mass scraping of facial images; emotion recognition in schools or workplaces; categorisation of people by sensitive traits like race or religion; and real-time facial recognition in public spaces by police, except in narrowly-defined emergencies. Both AI developers and users must adhere to these rules, with violations resulting in fines of up to €35 million or 7% of global turnover. These regulations establish the EU as the first global body to set clear red lines around abusive AI, balancing the protection of fundamental rights with the encouragement of safe innovation.

Economy & trade

EU’s New Trade Deals with MERCOSUR and Mexico

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
September 2025

The EU’s long-awaited trade agreements with Mercosur and Mexico mark a pivotal step toward economic diversification and reduced dependence on the United States. By cutting tariffs on industrial goods, opening sensitive agricultural markets, and expanding access to public procurement, these deals promise both new opportunities and political challenges. In this comprehensive and accessible analysis, Dr George Robakidze unpacks the economic, political, and strategic dimensions of the agreements, showing how they could reshape Europe’s global trade posture while testing the Union’s ability to balance collective interests with national sensitivities.

EU Competitiveness Compass (2025)

An In-Depth Analysis for Non-Experts

By George Robakidze
April 2025

In response to mounting global challenges - from rising energy prices to intensifying competition with major economies - the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass (2025) sets out a strategic vision to preserve the EU’s economic resilience, industrial leadership, and social cohesion. In this in-depth analysis for non-experts, George Robakidze unpacks the key priorities of the document, explaining what is at stake and why timely action is essential to secure Europe’s long-term prosperity and autonomy.

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"The world needs a strong European Union. And the European Union needs to become more geopolitical"

Ursula von der Leyen

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