In Brief

Recent elections in Georgia and Moldova reveal the Kremlin's attempts to counter EU expansion.
The EU warns candidate countries against maintaining ties with Russia if they wish to join.
Georgia's ruling party has faced allegations of electoral irregularities and anti-democratic legislation.
Moldova narrowly voted to enshrine EU membership in its constitution amid Russian interference
Serbia's reluctance to align with EU foreign policy raises concerns about its membership prospects.

Situation Report

The European Union's annual assessment of candidate countries has unveiled stagnant progress towards membership for hopefuls amid increasing Russian Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI).

In Georgia, the ruling Georgian Dream party, perceived as pro-Kremlin, has tightened its grip following a parliamentary vote marred by allegations of electoral fraud. The EU has called for an investigation into these irregularities, emphasizing that Georgia's bid for membership is stalled due to recent anti-democratic actions by its government, including controversial legislation resembling Moscow's repressive laws.

Tbilisi “Foreign Influence” Bill Sparks Protests and International Backlash
Georgian Parliament approved a law requiring NGOs and media outlets with over 20% foreign funding to register as “foreign agents.”
diethnos • World NewsNikolas Voniatis

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgency of completing the continent's reunification under democratic values, while the Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, warned that maintaining ties with Russia would hinder any aspirations for EU membership.

In Moldova, the recent presidential elections and EU referendum narrowly confirmed the goal of EU membership in its constitution, despite significant Russian interference. It is estimated that the Kremlin spent around €100 million aiming to undermine the electoral process.

As Moldova prepares for a presidential runoff, pro-EU President Maia Sandu faces a challenge from a pro-Russian opponent, with public support for EU integration around 60%.

Moldova Narrowly Votes “Yes” to EU Membership
The referendum in Moldova on the accession to the European Union took place against the background of an ‘’unprecedented interference’’ on behalf of Russia and its panders, according to EU.
diethnos • World NewsNewsroom

Meanwhile, Serbia’s president t Aleksandar Vučić has consistently refused to impose any sanctions on Russia and wants to keep relations with the Kremlin warm, drawing criticism from Brussels regarding its alignment with EU foreign policies, one of the pre-requisites for EU membership.

Assessment