Nino Kalandadze, co-founder and director of the Ilia Chavchavadze Center for European Studies and Civic Education, participated as a distinguished guest in the third installment of the "Vision EU-30-Plus" web talk series, examining Georgia's path toward European Union membership. The event, organized by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, addressed Georgia's position at a critical geopolitical crossroads, where the country's European aspirations face challenges from recent domestic political developments, including the ruling Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend EU accession negotiations and the ongoing public demonstrations that have continued since November 2024.

Drawing on her extensive experience as a former Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kalandadze provided crucial insights into the deepening divide between Georgia's pro-European civil society and current government policies. Joining the discussion were Shamil Shugaev, policy advisor at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation South Caucasus, and Thomas Franke, renowned journalist specializing in post-Soviet affairs. The panel examined Georgia's journey from EU candidate status in December 2023 to the current political crisis, analyzing challenges to democratic institutions, rule of law, and the persistent popular support for EU membership despite governmental opposition.

https://plus.freiheit.org/mediathek/vision-eu-30-plus-georgien-in-die-eu