Public
Engagement
EU Awareness Centre participated in a discussion on Hybrid Threats and Disinformation in Armenia’s Electoral Context
April 21, 2026
On 21 April 2026, Dr George Robakidze, Executive Director of the EU Awareness Centre, participated in a policy discussion held at the European Parliament in Brussels on hybrid threats and disinformation in the context of Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June 2026.
The discussion involved policymakers, experts, and civil society representatives evaluating how disinformation campaigns, social media manipulation, and cyber-enabled interference affect electoral processes. Specific focus was on external influence operations and their impact on shaping public perceptions and eroding trust in democratic institutions.
During the exchange, Armenian participants highlighted that the current situation in Armenia shows notable similarities to developments observed recently in Moldova and to those observed approximately a decade ago in Georgia. In particular, parallels were drawn between political-economic influence structures, including comparisons between the Georgian oligarchic context and the role attributed to Russian-linked Armenian oligarch Samvel Karapetyan. It was noted that, should similar patterns of influence materialise, Armenia could face trajectories comparable to those previously observed in Georgia.
In his intervention, Dr George Robakidze underlined the structural similarities in the use of disinformation and hybrid tools across Armenia, Moldova, and Georgia, noting that these challenges follow comparable patterns across the Eastern Partnership region. He also noted the absence of Georgian civil society representatives in the discussion, suggesting that their inclusion in future exchanges would add value, given the shared nature of the challenges and accumulated experience.
The discussion reaffirmed that hybrid threats remain a cross-regional challenge requiring coordinated responses, including stronger engagement of civil society, enhanced strategic communication, and increased exchange of experience among Eastern Partnership countries.
EU Awareness Centre at the Event “Current Challenges and Opportunities for Cultural Diplomacy”
March 26, 2026
On 26 March 2026, the EU Awareness Centre participated in the event “Current Challenges and Opportunities for Cultural Diplomacy – the Case of Music,” organised by the Vienna School of International Studies.
During the discussion, the Chair of the Centre, Ambassador David Dondua, emphasised the important role cultural diplomacy can play in conflict resolution and reconciliation. He also raised the question of the limitations of cultural diplomacy during ongoing wars, and reflected on how culture and morality correlate when artists openly align themselves with the “war party.”
EU Awareness Centre at the webinar “Visegrad Lessons for Georgia – Overcoming Political Divides through Practical Cooperation.
March 26, 2026
On 26 March 2026, the EU Awareness Centre participated in the 4th webinar organised by the Caucasian Journal, titled “Visegrad Lessons for Georgia – Overcoming Political Divides through Practical Cooperation.” The concluding session, “Lessons for Georgia: Roundtable and Action Points,” brought together experts from across Europe and Georgia.
Chairman of the EU Awareness Centre, David Dondua, focused in his intervention on the key lesson from the Visegrad experience: cooperation can be sustained despite political differences. He emphasised that political disagreement should not prevent practical cooperation in areas of common interest.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, education, and trade from political polarisation, and stressed the need for building institutional stability and practical cooperation mechanisms in Georgia.
The discussion underlined that Georgia’s progress depends not on full political consensus, but on the ability to maintain cooperation even in a polarised environment.
EU Awareness Centre at the Wilfred Martens Centre's Conference on the Future Global Order
March 18, 2026
On 18 March 2026, Dr George Robakidze, Executive Director of the EU Awareness Centre, participated in the high-level conference “Power, Partnerships and the Next Global Order”, organised by the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels. The event brought together senior policymakers, leading experts, and international stakeholders to reflect on the evolving geopolitical landscape and the European Union’s role in shaping a new global order.
The conference addressed key strategic challenges facing the EU, including economic security, geopolitical competition, and technological transformation. A central theme across discussions was the growing shift from efficiency-driven globalisation toward a more security-oriented approach, where resilience, diversification of supply chains, and trusted partnerships are becoming increasingly critical. Particular emphasis was placed on the interconnected nature of economic, energy, and security policies, especially in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and regional instability.
EU Awareness Centre Participates in Webinar on Visegrad Lessons for Georgia
March 5, 2026
The EU Awareness Centre participated in the third webinar, “Visegrad Lessons for Georgia – Overcoming Political Divides through Practical Cooperation,” organised by the Caucasian Journal. The current session was dedicated to “Business Beyond Politics.”
During the discussion, David Dondua, Chairman of the EU Awareness Centre, shared perspectives on how economic cooperation can remain resilient despite political disagreements. Drawing on the experience of the Visegrad Group and Central European integration, he emphasised that strong institutional frameworks—such as those provided by the European Union and the European Single Market—help protect economic cooperation from political fluctuations.
In his remarks, David Dondua highlighted that for Georgia, the key challenge is building the institutional foundations necessary for economic resilience. He stressed that credible rule-of-law guarantees, including protection of property rights, independent courts, and regulatory stability, are essential to maintaining investor confidence.
He also underscored the importance of safeguarding several strategic sectors from political polarisation, including transit and logistics, energy connectivity, and the digital economy. Strengthening Georgia’s role as a reliable transit hub between Europe and Asia, he noted, could become an important stabilising factor in the politically volatile South Caucasus region.
The webinar brought together experts and practitioners to discuss how practical economic cooperation can help mitigate political tensions and contribute to long-term regional stability.
EU Awareness Centre at CEPS Ideas Lab 2026
March 2-3, 2026
The Executive Director of the EU Awareness Centre, Dr George Robakidze, participated in the annual flagship conference of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) – Ideas Lab 2026, held in Brussels.
Bringing together policymakers, academics, civil society representatives, and think-tank experts from across Europe, CEPS Ideas Lab 2026 provided a platform for forward-looking discussions on the European Union’s strategic priorities, competitiveness, enlargement, security, and the future of European integration.
Participation in this high-level forum reflects the EU Awareness Centre’s continued engagement in debates shaping the future of Europe and its commitment to contributing analytical perspectives on EU policy developments and reform processes.
The EU Awareness Centre looks forward to further cooperation and dialogue with leading European policy institutions and partners.
The EU Awareness Centre participated in a high-level discussion on Moldova’s EU integration
February 26, 2026
On 26 February 2026, the EU Awareness Centre participated in the event “Moldova’s EU Integration: an analysis through the lens of the Eastern Partnership Index”, hosted by the Europe Office of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Brussels
The discussion highlighted Moldova’s progress towards EU membership. Particular emphasis was placed on Moldova’s progress in political association, economic integration, rule-of-law reforms, and sectoral alignment with EU standards, as shown by the 2025 Eastern Partnership Index.
The subsequent panel discussion brought together H.E. Daniela Morari, Ambassador of the Republic of Moldova to the EU, and Allan Jones, Head of Unit C.2 (“Moldova”) at DG ENEST. Speakers reflected on the drivers behind Moldova’s reform momentum, including the active role of civil society, independent media, and a reform-oriented public administration.
The EU Awareness Centre welcomed the opportunity to engage in this timely exchange and to contribute to discussions on the future of EU enlargement, rule-of-law reforms, and resilience in the Eastern neighbourhood.
EU Awareness Centre joined the events in Vienna commemorating the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine
February 24, 2026
The programme brought together representatives of the Ukrainian community, civil society, and international partners in a powerful show of solidarity. Commemorative activities included a Holy Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a candle-lighting ceremony at Stephansplatz, a march through the city centre, and a gathering in front of the Austrian Parliament. These events honoured the victims of the war and reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom, and European future.
EU Awareness Centre at Caucasus Journal Webinar on Academic and Scientific Cooperation
January 29, 2026
On 29 January 2026, the EU Awareness Centre participated in the webinar: Academic and Scientific Cooperation; Environmental Challenges: Joint Responses, organised by the Caucasus Journal.
Chairman of the EUAC, Ambassador David Dondua, contributed to the discussion by highlighting academic, scientific, and environmental cooperation as a form of strategic “Track 2 diplomacy” for Georgia, particularly amid strained political relations with the EU and growing regional uncertainty. Drawing on the Visegrad Group (V4) experience, the intervention explored how scientific cooperation can remain resilient despite political disagreements, preserve European connectivity, and sustain dialogue both regionally and across conflict lines.
The webinar examined practical mechanisms that allow science and environmental cooperation to function independently of high-level politics, as well as their relevance for Georgia and the wider South Caucasus. The discussion brought together diplomats, researchers, and policy experts to examine transferable models and long-term strategies for sustaining cooperation amid political turbulence.
Honouring the 115th Birthday of Bruno Kreisky
January 22, 2026
The Chairman of the EU Awareness Centre, David Dondua, participated in the event marking the 115th anniversary of Bruno Kreisky, dedicated to his legacy in Middle East diplomacy and peace-building, organised by the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue.
The panel discussion, “Bruno Kreisky and the Middle East: Building Diplomacy and Reconstructing Peace,” brought together leading political figures, diplomats, and scholars to reflect on Kreisky’s role in advancing dialogue, the two-state solution, and Austria’s historic and future contribution to peace efforts in the region.
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