Public
Engagement
Panel Discussion at Central European University - From Beacon of Democracy to Illiberal Orbit: Georgia’s Uncertain Future
On 12 March 2025, the Central European University (CEU) in Vienna hosted a critical panel discussion on Georgia’s democratic trajectory in the aftermath of the contested October 2024 parliamentary elections. Marking the 100th day of continuous protests in Georgia, the event brought together experts to examine the country’s democratic backsliding and the broader geopolitical implications.
The distinguished speakers' panel included Amb. David Dondua, Chair, Board of Directors, EU Awareness Centre (EUAC); Prof. Kornely Kakachia, Director, Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP); Dr Natalie Sabanadze, Chatham House; and Dr Hannes Meissner, Senior Researcher and Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna. The panel was moderated by Jaba Devdariani, Foreign Policy Analyst and Board Member, UN Association of Georgia.
The distinguished speakers' panel included Amb. David Dondua, Chair, Board of Directors, EU Awareness Centre (EUAC); Prof. Kornely Kakachia, Director, Georgian Institute of Politics (GIP); Dr Natalie Sabanadze, Chatham House; and Dr Hannes Meissner, Senior Researcher and Lecturer, University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna. The panel was moderated by Jaba Devdariani, Foreign Policy Analyst and Board Member, UN Association of Georgia. With over 80 participants, the discussion provided valuable insights into Georgia’s uncertain political future and its regional significance. The event underscored the urgent need for international engagement in defending democracy in Georgia and other EU-aspiring nations. Amb. David Dondua emphasized Georgia’s strong European identity and the challenges hindering its EU and NATO integration. For over three decades, Georgia’s public support for European integration has remained between 75-85%. David Dondua highlighted that while Georgia has made significant progress in aligning with European structures, Russian disinformation has effectively exploited the emotional rather than informed nature of Georgia’s pro-European sentiment, making society vulnerable to manipulation. Discussing the 2024 parliamentary elections, he pointed out how fear-driven narratives, electoral manipulation, and the opposition’s failure to offer a clear alternative allowed the ruling party to maintain its grip on power. However, the results do not indicate a decline in pro-European sentiment but rather reflect a lack of viable alternatives and strategic voter suppression. Despite these setbacks, Amb. Dondua firmly stated that Georgia is not lost. The window for EU accession remains open, but decisive action is needed. The EU Awareness Centre remains committed to informing, educating, and advocating for Georgia’s rightful place in the European democratic family. The EU Awareness Centre extends its gratitude to the CEU Political Science Department for their invaluable support in making this event possible. EUAC remains committed to supporting Georgia and other EU-aspiring countries through knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and solidarity in the fight against authoritarianism.
