In May and June, European Forum Georgia organized multispectral dialogue meetings in 17 of Georgia’s cities (Gurjaani, Akhmeta, Lagodekhi, Telavi, Zestaponi, Baghdati, Khoni, Kutiaisi, Khulo, Keda, Batumi, Kobuleti, Khashuri, Kaspi, Kareli, Gori, and Tsalenjikha). People of various professions and backgrounds participated and discussed new challenges and opportunities for Georgia against the current geopolitical developments.
Based on the findings of these meetings and additional analysis, experts of the European Forum Georgia developed three possible scenarios for the country’s sociopolitical development: pessimistic, neutral, and optimistic. They then created policy documents outlining the current challenges and opportunities based on each scenario, as well as strategies for their solution. The pessimistic scenario was discussed with a wider audience in Tbilisi on June 30, and feedback from the attendees will be reflected in the final policy document.
In parallel to its work on development scenarios, the Forum issued a statement on behalf of its 140 members on June 15, responding to organized propaganda against the European Union and its representatives. The statement underlined the fact that Georgia’s supporters have fairly drawn attention to issues that could have a devastating impact on the country’s democratic development, including selective justice, persecution of different opinions, blackmailing of opponents and other problems.
The European Forum, which was created at the initiative of the European Center for Multiparty Democracy (EECMD) and is supported by the USAID Civil Society Engagement Program, is a growing platform that unites activists, politicians, journalists, academicians, and members of the private sector who believe in Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The platform fosters informal dialogue to develop a broadly accepted national action plan for democracy. Interested parties can join the platform by registering here.
