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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · Sep 8

What is the EU’s role in resolving conflicts in occupied territories within eastern candidate countries? Why the EU membership is a powerful incentive for reform and stability? Re-read @teftak.bsky.social and Sergi Kapanadze's policy brief @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social
https://bit.ly/4le7c8m

Occupational therapy: Frozen conflicts, Russian aggression and EU enlargement

As Russia accelerates its annexation of “frozen conflict” regions, the EU must enhance its policy to counter Moscow’s influence.

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · Aug 30

The EU should draw up a policy to deal with Russian annexation actions in breakaway and occupied regions, and embed this in its evolving approach towards Russia, write Tefta Kelmendi and Sergi Kapanadzi.
Read their latest policy brief here: https://bit.ly/4le7c8m

Occupational therapy: Frozen conflicts, Russian aggression and EU enlargement

As Russia accelerates its annexation of “frozen conflict” regions, the EU must enhance its policy to counter Moscow’s influence.

bit.ly

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Terje Helland @terjehelland.bsky.social · Aug 21

🇬🇪Why is Georgian Dream surviving despite mass protests, backlash, and international condemnation?

The answer isn’t repression alone. It’s money.

🧵A thread on how Bidzina Ivanishvili’s fortune and Russian inflows saved his regime - and why it’s still may crack.
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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 @marikamikiashvili.bsky.social · May 22

EYES ON GEORGIA!

The court hearing of Girchi-MF leader Zurab Girchi Japaridze, also one of the leaders of Coalition for Change will begin now.

The expectation is that they’ll jail Zurab Girchi Japaridze over non-cooperation with regime’s history-revising, Stalin-era "Parliamentary committee." 1/

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 16

Armenia and Azerbaijan have never been so close to peace—but bilateral issues and geopolitical complications mean a new escalation is still possible, writes @dumoulinme.bsky.social
@ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

The perpetual horizon: Armenia, Azerbaijan and prospects for peace

Armenia and Azerbaijan have never been so close to peace—but bilateral issues and geopolitical complications mean a new escalation is still possible. The EU needs to use what levers it has to help…

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

The New Union Post @newunionpost.bsky.social · May 16

Prime Minister #EdiRama managed to present himself as "the most pro-EU, pragmatic and constructive leader in the region,"
@ecfr.eu's @teftak.bsky.social told The New Union Post. However, this could lead the EU to overlook "deeper, systemic issues"
#EPCSummit #Albania
newunionpost.eu/2025/05/16/e...

The European Political Community serves Edi Rama’s narrative

At the European Political Community summit in Tirana, the Albanian Prime Minister managed to promote his pro-EU stance, downplaying internal issues

newunionpost.eu

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Tefta Kelmendi @teftak.bsky.social · May 2

After my recent trip to #Tbilisi, it’s clear Europe must act fast. The window to support dialogue and halt Georgia’s authoritarian drift is closing. The Weimar Triangle + UK are best placed to lead. My latest for @ecfr.eu

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 2

Georgia stands at a crossroads. As democratic institutions falter and authoritarianism looms, Europe's response could determine the nation's future. @teftak.bsky.social s latest commentary urges a united European front. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland…

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

The New Union Post @newunionpost.bsky.social · May 13

#Rama secured more than half of the total vote, on the back of his pledge to bring the country into the EU by 2030. "The support #Albania received from the integration process worked to his advantage," said @teftak.bsky.social
(@ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social @ecfr.eu)
newunionpost.eu/2025/05/13/e...

What Rama's triumph in Albanian elections means for the EU

Prime Minister Rama's Socialist Party secured a fourth consecutive term, pledging to bring Albania into the European Union by 2030

newunionpost.eu

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · May 7

Germany has been on the back foot in Europe over the past few years. Chancellor Merz's visits to Paris and Warsaw today beg the question: will that now change?

Here's @jpuglierin.bsky.social's and my (very) cautiously upbeat assessment:

ecfr.eu/article/from...

From fence-sitter to pace-setter: How Merz’s Germany can lead Europe

On foreign policy, Germany’s new chancellor will be pulled between conservatism and radicalism. For Europe’s sake, he must choose the latter

ecfr.eu

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Sébastien Gobert @sebagobert.bsky.social · May 6

Géorgie 🇬🇪 le Congrès US a passé un texte visant directement le régime du Rêve géorgien de l'oligarque Ivanishvili comme pro-Kremlin, à geler toute aide, à introduire des sanctions Magnitsky dans les 60 jours.

Il reste donc des gens censés à Washington.

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR European Security @ecfreuropeansec.bsky.social · May 5

The incoming German government, Britain and the “Weimar Triangle” have a narrow window of opportunity to halt repression and prevent Georgia’s further entanglement with Moscow, writes @teftak.bsky.social ⬇️
ecfr.eu/article/a-na...

A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland…

ecfr.eu

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 5

After Canada’s election, new momentum is building for closer EU-Canada ties.
How can both sides strengthen cooperation on trade, security, and global challenges?

Questions of sovereignty: Canada’s relations with Europe after the general election

Europeans should begin seeking new opportunities to work with Canada under Mark Carney…

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Tefta Kelmendi @teftak.bsky.social · May 2

After my recent trip to #Tbilisi, it’s clear Europe must act fast. The window to support dialogue and halt Georgia’s authoritarian drift is closing. The Weimar Triangle + UK are best placed to lead. My latest for @ecfr.eu

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 2

Georgia stands at a crossroads. As democratic institutions falter and authoritarianism looms, Europe's response could determine the nation's future. @teftak.bsky.social s latest commentary urges a united European front. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland…

bit.ly

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR Rome @ecfrrome.bsky.social · May 2

Mentre la Georgia traballa sull'orlo dell'autoritarismo, la frattura dell'Europa rischia di consegnare il Caucaso meridionale all'influenza russa e cinese. Secondo @teftak.bsky.social, una coalizione europea potrebbe salvare la democrazia e la stabilità del Paese @ECFRPower👇

A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland…

bit.ly

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 2

Canada and Europe have a renewed opportunity to deepen their partnership. As global alliances shift, this moment is pivotal for strengthening transatlantic ties.
Read @jhosa.bsky.social new policy alert. @ecfrpower.bsky.social

Questions of sovereignty: Canada’s relations with Europe after the general election

Europeans should begin seeking new opportunities to work with Canada under Mark Carney…

bit.ly

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 2

Georgia stands at a crossroads. As democratic institutions falter and authoritarianism looms, Europe's response could determine the nation's future. @teftak.bsky.social s latest commentary urges a united European front. @ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

A narrow window: How Europeans can still halt Georgia’s authoritarian turn

As Georgia teeters on the brink of authoritarianism, Europe’s fractured resolve risks ceding the south Caucasus to Russian and Chinese influence. A coalition of France, Germany and Poland…

bit.ly

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Maria Simeonova @mariasimeonova.bsky.social · May 2

My recent piece looks at how the EU can engage with Turkey amid the democratic backsliding but also shared strategic interests. Disengagement risks new dependencies as member states start playing solo with Ankara.

ECFR @ecfr.eu · May 1

Europe faces a strategic dilemma: engage with Turkey despite domestic concerns, or risk regional instability. Maria Simeonova explores how the EU can pragmatically deepen ties with Ankara while upholding its values.

No easy choices: How Europe can write a new chapter with Turkey

Europe’s security requires cooperation with Turkey, but Erdogan’s domestic abuses complicate the relationship. To navigate this, Europeans must invest in this partnership, prioritising urgent needs…

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · Apr 10

European policymakers have little direct influence over Moscow and Washington. However, they can use certain tools as leverage to help shape talks about Ukraine’s future—while ensuring to act in the EU’s best interest, writes @dumoulinme.bsky.social
@ecfrwidereurope.bsky.social

Spoil or shape: How Europeans can impact US-Russia talks on Ukraine

European policymakers have little direct influence over Moscow and Washington. However, they can use certain tools as leverage to help shape talks about Ukraine’s future—while ensuring to act in the…

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Tefta Kelmendi @teftak.bsky.social · Mar 31

…The EU can and should do more, not just because these people deserve it, but because losing Georgia will have broader implications for the region, which the EU cannot afford!

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Tefta Kelmendi @teftak.bsky.social · Mar 31

I attended today’s protest in #Georgia - it was impressive and moving, to say the least. People feel forgotten, but they sustain this resilience on their own…

Civil.ge @civil.ge · Mar 31

"Our hearts beat for motherland! Spring of people is here!" - popular anti-oligarchy chant performed during Independence Restoration Referendum Day rally on crowded Rustaveli Ave. Day 124 of #GeorgiaProtests
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

ECFR @ecfr.eu · Mar 13

📣 It’s a wrap!

After three days of fruitful discussions at our ECFR Annual Staff Retreat, in which we dove deep into the policy challenges of today’s world, we’re ready to tackle what lies ahead!

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Adi Ćerimagić @adicerimagic.bsky.social · Mar 3

Last week, 🇧🇦’s state court sentenced Milorad #Dodik, entity president, to 1 year in prison & barred him from public office for 6 years. It takes effect only after appeals are exhausted.

Dodik dismissed the ruling & pushed the RS assembly to adopt anti-state laws.

My 🧵

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · Feb 23

Polls close shortly in Germany. What a good election outcome for Europe would look like:

- stable two-part government formed swiftly
- AfD underperforming (sub-20%)
- clear 2/3 majority (420+ seats) for debt-brake reform
- parties pivoting fast from campaign to wider realities

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · Feb 16

1/ Europe at Munich Security Conference looked like deer in Trump administration's headlights. How have we got this far without a concrete European plan for Ukraine to put on table? How is there *still* no proper consensus among major EU governments (+UK) on how far Europe is willing to step up?

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Reposted by Tefta Kelmendi

Jeremy Cliffe @jeremycliffe.bsky.social · Feb 12

Wrote this for @newstatesman.com in December. Trump will either divide Europeans and make deals over their heads, or have the effect of pushing them together. Which force prevails depends entirely on Europe's leaders making choices they should have made at least a decade ago.

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