On May 27, the GEO-POWER-EU held its second in-person consortium meeting at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory in Belgrade. Representatives from the 14 partner institutions gathered for a full day of updates, coordination, and strategic planning.
The meeting opened with remarks by Filip Ejdus (University of Belgrade) and Nikolaos Tzifakis (Project Coordinator, University of the Peloponnese), setting the agenda and priorities for the next project phase.
Sessions throughout the day focused on the core work packages:
WP2: Presentation of early findings on EU enlargement and the Eastern Partnership, with planning for upcoming research tasks.
WP3: Updates on strategic autonomy, public sentiment analysis, and follow-up on the GEO-POWER-EU Interdependence Database, which had been officially launched the previous day during the public conference co-organized with REUNIR. The session also included in-depth discussions on corrosive capital and disinformation research.
WP4: Initial steps toward designing a comprehensive EU neighbourhood policy framework.
WP5: Review of dissemination efforts, joint activities with sister projects, and academic publication plans.
WP6: Financial coordination and project management.
The meeting concluded with a facilitated session on strategic thinking and brainstorming, led by Valery Perry (Democratization Policy Council), which engaged partners in scenario-based exercises and collective brainstorming on the topics related to the Project’s focus areas.
More details here:
On 26 May, GEO-POWER-EU and REUNIR co-hosted the conference “Frontlines of Influence: The EU’s Role in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership” at Europe House in Belgrade. The event gathered policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors to reflect on the EU’s evolving geopolitical presence and the future of enlargement.
The conference opened with remarks from Prof. Filip Ejdus and Dr. Srđan Cvijić, followed by a keynote address by Emanuele Giaufret, EU Ambassador to Serbia, who underscored the security implications of Russia’s war in Ukraine for the region.
The first panel, organised by REUNIR, explored the EU’s enlargement challenges amid democratic backsliding, institutional fatigue, and external pressure. Speakers reflected on concerns around rule of law, the credibility of the EU’s normative influence, and diverging trajectories across candidate countries including Serbia, Albania, and Georgia.
The second panel, led by GEO-POWER-EU, focused on the EU’s strategic posture in its neighbourhood. The session featured the launch of the GEO-POWER Interdependence Database, a new resource mapping the EU’s political, economic, and societal influence relative to other global actors. Insights from the InvigoratEU project were also shared, highlighting the persistence of Russian influence in societal domains despite broader political and economic decline.
The event concluded with a keynote by Milica Delević (EBRD), who stressed that enlargement has become more geopolitical in nature, while reaffirming the EU’s foundational mission of peace and stability.
More details here:
A new working paper of the REDEMOS research project, entitled "Interplay of Security & Stability and Democracy Support" by Ragnar Weilandt, it's about how do security and stability concerns shape the EU’s democracy support in its eastern neighbourhood.
The working paper explores the tensions between EU values and strategic interests, offering a timely analysis of EU engagement in the South Caucasus. Focusing on Armenia and Georgia, the paper unpacks how evolving political and geostrategic dynamics influence the EU’s external action.
The new working paper is a thought-provoking read for those examining the balance between norms, interests, and foreign policy priorities. Read the full paper here, English version.
The international research project ”REDEMOS: Reconfiguring EU Democracy Support – Towards a sustained demos in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood”, which runs from January 2023 until December 2025, is directed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and brings together a total of 11 academic and research institutions – six universities, four independent think tanks (including IDIS "Viitorul") – and one small and medium-sized enterprise from across Europe. This multi-annual, multi-million research project takes an in-depth look at the full range of political and governance regimes in the EU's eastern neighbourhood, from flawed democratisation in some countries to democratic regression and even repressive authoritarianism in others. REDEMOS aims to break new ground and suggest a comprehensive and transformative overhaul of the conceptualisation, policy-making and implementation of democracy in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The overall objective of REDEMOS is to develop a set of innovative policy tools to make EU democracy support policies more efficient, effective and sustainable. The anticipated project outputs will range from a holistic dataset summarising past democracy support actions and programmes to a set of working papers, policy documents, blog articles, visual reports, as well as workshops, conferences and more. Together with the participatory nature of the REDEMOS project, its results will be geared towards increasing citizens' involvement and participation in shaping future democratic structures in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The international research project REDEMOS is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101061738. The Associated Partner University of Surrey has received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee under grant number 10040721. The Associated Partner University of St. Gallen has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, UKRI and SERI. Neither the European Union nor UKRI or SERI can be held responsible for them.
Marcus How, Head of Analysis at VE Insight and GEO-POWER-EU consortium member, and Benedetta Locatelli, also of VE Insight, have co-authored a timely and thought-provoking article titled “From Stabiliser to Dealmaker: Trump 2.0 and the Western Balkans”, published by SeeNews.
The article explores how a second Trump administration could fundamentally reshape U.S. engagement in the Western Balkans, with potential ramifications for NATO’s role, regional security structures, diplomatic strategy, sanctions enforcement, and foreign investment. Locatelli and How assess a shift toward a more transactional, commercially driven U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns about its implications for governance, rule of law, and EU accession trajectories in the region.
The second episode of our podcast examines the implications of the 2024 U.S. elections for Euro-Atlantic relations, with a particular focus on the European Union, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans. Our panel of experts explores the potential divisions within a prospective Trump administration and considers how such an outcome could influence continued U.S. support for Ukraine. The discussion further addresses the European Union’s strategic positioning in light of evolving transatlantic dynamics, including questions of strategic autonomy and security, as well as the broader implications for the Western Balkans.
Featured Experts:
In this inaugural episode, our expert panel delves into the recently published EU enlargement reports, offering insights into their political nature. The discussion explores the evolving accession process, its significance today, and specific findings on countries like Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania and more. The episode also addresses the stalled EU accession process in Georgia, touching on recent elections, claims of fraud, and the implications for visa liberalization and potential sanctions.
Featured Experts:
Listen to the first episode here:
Follow GEO-POWER-EU on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Soundcloud to stay updated on future episodes and insights into the EU’s geopolitical strategy.
The Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) "Viitorul", on behalf of the consortium representing the research project ”REDEMOS: Reconfiguring EU Democracy Support – Towards a sustained demos in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood”, received diplomas from Ministry of Education and Research for the outstanding results obtained within the program. The REDEMOS project is funded by the European Union through the "Horizon Europe" research and innovation program. At the event on October 24, 2024, 16 groups of researchers from different institutions in the Republic of Moldova participated in the award ceremony, which took place in the presence of representatives of the European Commission, who were on an official visit to the Republic of Moldova.
The premiere took place in the context of the third meeting of the Joint Committee for Research and Innovation between the Republic of Moldova and the EU, established in accordance with the provisions of the Association Agreement of the Republic of Moldova to the "Horizon Europe" Program. The committee meets at least once a year, in Chisinau and Brussels.
The Secretary of State of the Ministry of Education and Research, Adriana Cazacu, spoke at the opening of the ceremony about the impact of the program for the development of the field of research and innovation in the Republic of Moldova. "Our country's participation in the Horizon Europe Program is of great importance for the representation of the Republic of Moldova in the research and innovation structures of the EU and promotes the positive image of national science, attracting talented young people, experienced researchers, investors and representatives of the business environment in the national research and innovation system", said Adriana Cazacu.
To date, 300 projects have been submitted to the "Horizon Europe" Program, of which 245 were eligible. At the same time, 51 grants were signed with a net contribution from the EU of 5.63 million euros, the success rate of the Republic of Moldova being 20.33%, which is much above the general average rate of 16%.
Horizon Europe is the EU's framework program for research and innovation for the period 2021-2027. It supports excellence in the scientific field, including by supporting the initiatives of scientists. The program has an estimated budget of around 100 billion euros.
The international research project ”REDEMOS: Reconfiguring EU Democracy Support – Towards a sustained demos in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood”, which runs from January 2023 until December 2025, is directed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and brings together a total of 11 academic and research institutions – six universities, four independent think tanks (including IDIS "Viitorul") – and one small and medium-sized enterprise from across Europe.
This multi-annual, multi-million research project takes an in-depth look at the full range of political and governance regimes in the EU's eastern neighbourhood, from flawed democratisation in some countries to democratic regression and even repressive authoritarianism in others. REDEMOS aims to break new ground and suggest a comprehensive and transformative overhaul of the conceptualisation, policy-making and implementation of democracy in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The overall objective of REDEMOS is to develop a set of innovative policy tools to make EU democracy support policies more efficient, effective and sustainable. The anticipated project outputs will range from a holistic dataset summarising past democracy support actions and programmes to a set of working papers, policy documents, blog articles, visual reports, as well as workshops, conferences and more. Together with the participatory nature of the REDEMOS project, its results will be geared towards increasing citizens' involvement and participation in shaping future democratic structures in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The international research project REDEMOS is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101061738. The Associated Partner University of Surrey has received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee under grant number 10040721. The Associated Partner University of St. Gallen has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, UKRI and SERI. Neither the European Union nor UKRI or SERI can be held responsible for them.
A Working paper of the REDEMOS research project, developed by Mădălina Dobrescu and Ragnar Weilandt, called: ”Democratic progress, stasis, regression and authoritarianisation in the EU’s eastern neighbourhood” explores the complex interplay between democracy and autocracy in Eastern Europe, but also offers pivotal insights into the region’s political evolution over a span of 12 years.
The document critically evaluates the role of the EU and local dynamics in shaping the democratic and autocratic paths in six countries. In detail, the document provides an in-depth stocktaking of democracy building efforts and failures in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine between 2010 and 2022.
The democratic and autocratic trajectories of the six eastern neighbourhood countries examined point to the critical role of the demos in bringing about democratic change, sustaining democratic progress and deterring or reverting democratic regression, in particular when these processes are simultaneously supported by political elites and organised civil societies.
Read the full Working paper, in English, here:
The international research project ”REDEMOS: Reconfiguring EU Democracy Support – Towards a sustained demos in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood”, which runs from January 2023 until December 2025, is directed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and brings together a total of 11 academic and research institutions – six universities, four independent think tanks (including IDIS "Viitorul") – and one small and medium-sized enterprise from across Europe. This multi-annual, multi-million research project takes an in-depth look at the full range of political and governance regimes in the EU's eastern neighbourhood, from flawed democratisation in some countries to democratic regression and even repressive authoritarianism in others. REDEMOS aims to break new ground and suggest a comprehensive and transformative overhaul of the conceptualisation, policy-making and implementation of democracy in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The overall objective of REDEMOS is to develop a set of innovative policy tools to make EU democracy support policies more efficient, effective and sustainable. The anticipated project outputs will range from a holistic dataset summarising past democracy support actions and programmes to a set of working papers, policy documents, blog articles, visual reports, as well as workshops, conferences and more. Together with the participatory nature of the REDEMOS project, its results will be geared towards increasing citizens' involvement and participation in shaping future democratic structures in the EU's eastern neighbourhood.
The international research project REDEMOS is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No 101061738. The Associated Partner University of Surrey has received funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee under grant number 10040721. The Associated Partner University of St. Gallen has received funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, UKRI and SERI. Neither the European Union nor UKRI or SERI can be held responsible for them.
The kick-off meeting for the GEO-POWER-EU project started yesterday, 11 June 2024, and will continue until today, 12 June 2024, at CITY College, University of York Europe Campus.
Project Goals and Vision
GEO-POWER-EU’s core mission is to advance the EU’s strategic positioning and response to geopolitical challenges in its Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans. The project aims to reform and innovate EU policy instruments and engagement approaches, ensuring they are well-suited to the new realities of geopolitical competition and cooperation.
Throughout its duration, GEO-POWER-EU will:
Project Partners
Kick-off Meeting Highlights
The first day of the GEO-POWER-EU consortium meetings included the participation of twenty-five researchers from 14 different organizations that gathered to discuss the project concept and work packages, as well as to learn about the projects from researchers of our sister projects.
The meeting saw enthusiastic participation from consortium members, with some attending in person and others joining online. The hybrid format allowed for dynamic discussions and the emergence of interesting theories and ideas. Attendees shared their expertise and perspectives, paving the way for innovative approaches to the project’s goals.
Stay tuned for updates as GEO-POWER-EU unfolds, shaping a more secure, strategically autonomous, and geopolitically empowered European Union.
We invite you to stay connected with the project’s progress and updates by following GEO-POWER-EU on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Soundcloud and Youtube.
A total of 23 inspiring young individuals from the South Caucasus and Moldova, including from the conflict affected regions, convened in the third edition of the Change Makers Forum organised by the EU-funded Project EU4Dialogue.
The Forum took place in Finland, from 26 April to 1 May 2024, and focused on contributing to desirable changes in the participants’ communities, and on designing and executing engaging and targeted communication to enhance the impact of Change Makers’ community actions. Key focus was also to provide a safe space for dialogue and sharing of experiences.
Through interactive trainings and practical workshops participants learned how to design and implement targeted communication and utilize mobile technology. The change makers also gained insight in planning calls for action and learned how to create their own related videos.
“The Change Makers Forum promotes positive transformation, providing young participants from the South Caucasus and Moldova with new tools to design impactful community actions and to communicate effectively. The EU-funded Project is committed to promote dialogue, cooperation and sustainable development and we are proud to empower our Change Makers participants.” stated Tanja Tamminen, Team Leader of EU-funded Project EU4Dialogue, Component 1.
The Change Makers’ Forum is annually organised for participants, aged 18-30, coming from diverse backgrounds across the divides. In the past three Forums participants have explored a wide range of topics of common interest, from environmental sustainability to social inclusion and perspectives to peace-building. Together they have brainstormed on impactful solutions.
A broader group of change makers meets online on a monthly basis in order to maintain a robust network for joint discussions.
The EU-funded project “EU4Dialogue: Supporting Understanding Between Conflict Parties” is the first component of the broader EU4Dialogue Programme. It aims to facilitate dialogue and enhance understanding across divides by conducting studies, organising events, training, and workshops at various levels and in diverse settings for participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Moldova. Implemented by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V. in partnership with IDIS Viitorul (Republic of Moldova), IDP Women Association “Consent” (Georgia), Institute for Mediation, Counselling, Development (Germany), and Cowater International (Belgium), the project runs until July 2025.
