Toyota: Weaving the Future from Mount Fuji to the Caucasus

30.01.2025 (Caucasian Journal). In the summer of 2019, the Caucasian Journal was excited to publish a detailed article about a groundbreaking plan to start producing the first electric cars in the Caucasus region. The first Georgia-made electric vehicles (EVs) were expected to roll out of the plant in Kutaisi in December 2019, but unfortunately, this did not happen. Since then, environmental challenges in our region and potential "green" solutions have remained a priority for us.

Meanwhile, the environmental situation in the region has continued to deteriorate, primarily due to the growing automotive fleet. The transport sector is the largest source of CO2 emissions, accounting for 40 percent of total energy-related CO2 emissions, according to a recent report of the International Energy Agency. 

Toyota Woven City. Image: Toyota

The Georgia Alliance for Safe Roads, a non-governmental organization, has emphasized that the issue extends beyond fuel distribution and poses risks to human health. It seems vital to shift to less carbon-intensive modes of transport, particularly electric and other alternatively powered vehicles. 

Can Technology Help?

What alternatives do Georgia—and the South Caucasus in general—have in the near future to improve the environment and ensure healthier conditions for its people? 

One potential solution lies in the latest technologies from the world’s leading car manufacturers. Toyota Motor, the largest automaker in the world and the top-selling car brand in Georgia and the South Caucasus region, believes it can significantly contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment in the region.  According to a recent 2024 market research report by TBC Capital on the automotive sector, Toyota has surpassed other brands in Georgia's automotive fleet, and “will strengthen its lead in the future.” Now, with this leading position in automotive sales in the region, the company is increasingly focused on implementing corporate sustainability policies.

Inger ENKVIST: “We have for a long time lived on the results of our past very high educational standards” (watch video or read)

27.01.2025 (Caucasian Journal). Is it possible to "import" the Nordic education model? What are the strengths and weaknesses of European education? How does EU membership affect national education policies? 

These are some of the questions that we are discussing today with Inger ENKVIST, Professor Emerita from the Lund University in Sweden. Professor Enkvist is a distinguished Swedish educator and writer, one of the most renowned commentators on education policies, and an expert in Spanish literature. 

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

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The full text version of the interview is below:

Nordic Education Cooperation with Georgia & Armenia: A new Nordic Talk by Caucasian Journal

15.01.2025 (Caucasian Journal). Since its inception in 2019, our journal has placed a strong emphasis on the education sector. As Georgia and Armenia take steps towards closer European integration, the importance of Western education models continues to grow. This time, we aim to explore Nordic education by examining cooperation projects involving the Nordic countries, Georgia, and Armenia as case studies. This is the focus of our upcoming Nordic Talk—a free online discussion scheduled for January 23 and 24. 

You are welcome to join our two Zoom sessions (invite links are provided below).

Previously, our journal successfully organized the first Georgia-Norway Nordic Talk in 2021, focusing on university education in clean energy, and another in 2022 involving Georgia, Armenia, Norway, and Sweden on waste management. 

Our new Nordic Talk will consist of two Zoom sessions with open attendance:

How to Make Maximum of Nordic Experience in Education? Case of Nordic Cooperation with Georgia and Armenia

Talk I: Primary education, with a focus on inclusivity.

January 23, 13:30 Tbilisi and Yerevan time /  10:30 Oslo and Stockholm time

How to attend:   Zoom link; Facebook event link

Luigi FASSI: "The Georgian art is gaining visibility at a European level"

❄ Wishing our readers a joyous holiday season ❄ 

25.12.2024. (Caucasian Journal)  From time to time the Caucasian Journal highlights the contemporary art scene, particularly visual arts. Our focus is consistently tied to the South Caucasus region and its connections to the global art community. How well-known are Georgian artists in Europe? Are Georgians finding it easier to connect with European audiences?

Today, we are pleased to welcome a very special guest who can offer insights from the perspective of European curators: Luigi FASSI, Director of Artissima, Italy’s largest international contemporary art fair, which has been held in Turin since 1994. The most recent Artissima, which took place last month, featured participation from Georgia.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

▶ Հայերեն: The Armenian version is here.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Welcome to Caucasian Journal! Can you provide us with some examples of contemporary Georgian art you are familiar with?

Jens-Hinrich BINDER: “New European member states accede to a state-of-the-art set of financial regulations” (watch video or read)

17.12.2024 (Caucasian Journal). It's a pleasure for us today to welcome Jens-Hinrich BINDER, Professor of Law at Eberhard Karls University in Tübingen (Germany), where he holds a chair in Private, Commercial and Corporate Law. 

It's a rare opportunity to discuss European financial regulation and its relevance to the general public in EU candidate countries.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

▶ Հայերեն: The Armenian version is here.

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The full text version of the interview is below:

A Wave of Dissent by Georgia's Elite May Trigger a Domino Effect

01.12.2024 (Caucasian Journal). Georgia's political landscape is witnessing a significant transformation as key institutions and businesses increasingly distance themselves from the ruling regime. Several major organizations, including banks and telecommunications providers, have condemned the government's recent decision to postpone EU accession talks until 2028. President Salome Zourabichvili deemed the parliament illegitimate and proclaimed herself the country’s only legitimate authority. 

Experts warn that this situation could trigger a domino effect that may weaken the regime's foundation.

Key institutions and companies that have expressed dissent include: 

Banking Sector: The Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank, the two largest banks in the country, have publicly expressed their opposition to the government's decision. The statement from the Bank of Georgia emphasizes "For the Bank of Georgia, whose name bears a special weight, there is no alternative to the country’s road towards Eurointegration. On the way to Europe — don’t stop!"

Telecommunications: Magti and Silknet, the leading internet providers, have condemned the government's actions and reaffirmed their commitment to European integration. Silknet condemned the "violence against peaceful protesters," stating, "We believe that Georgia should maintain its constitutional order and remain in the European space. Refusing this path equates to rejecting freedom, progress, and the future." The other major telecom company, Magti, issued a similar statement earlier. 

Ambassador Per EKLUND: "The political culture needs to be developed"

30.10.2024 (Caucasian Journal). Today we are honored to welcome a very special guest: Ambassador Per EKLUND, former EU Ambassador to Georgia, and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm. 

Ambassador Eklund recently led an international observer delegation to monitor the 2024 Georgian parliamentary elections.

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

▶ Հայերեն: The Armenian version is here.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Mr. Ambassador, thank you for finding time for this interview. Unlike many international observers, your firsthand experience as a former EU ambassador, coupled with your continued engagement in regional affairs, provides you with a unique perspective on Georgia. How would you summarize your impression of the election and other recent developments?

Per EKLUND: Georgia, now an EU candidate country, did not meet the high expectations the international community had regarding the 2024 elections. Particularly concerning was the pre-election period, which failed to meet fundamental standards for democratic elections. Election observers were discredited, legislation passed was not in line with European standards, and reports of harassment and threats against voters were frequent. With the ruling party dominating the media landscape, having access to administrative resources, and controlling the administration, it was not a level playing field.

Professor Jan KOMÁREK: "Joining the EU does not end the struggle for justice – it only takes different forms"

28.10.2024 (Caucasian Journal). Our guest today is Jan KOMÁREK (Czechia), Professor of EU Law at the University of Copenhagen and Visiting Professor at the Charles University in Prague. 

▶ ქართულად: The Georgian version is here.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Jan, welcome. We have been looking forward to this interview in particular because of the crucial importance of the legal aspects in the EU integration process.  And, on the other hand, the legal side of things has the most direct impact on the public.

Let's begin with some fundamental questions: What happens to an individual's rights when their country joins the EU? Do people become better protected? What options are available if there is a conflict between national laws and EU laws?

Jan KOMÁREK: Thank you for having me for this interview. But let me correct one premise of your question first: Law does not have such an immediate effect as you suggest. The change is slow and gradual and depends very much on who the people in charge of applying and enforcing the law are. And if a new country joins the EU, these are the same officials as before, responsible for its daily application, whether in the public administration or in courts. 

Arnold STEPANIAN: "I'm very glad we have such a generation in our country" (video)

10.10.2024 (Caucasian Journal)  We were delighted to welcome Arnold STEPANIAN, Chairman of Public Movement “Multinational Georgia” (PMMG) - one of the first non-governmental organizations established in Georgia. PMMG, an "umbrella" organization, has worked with national minorities since 1999.

Do we see progress or a regress in the evolution of civil society? Which political parties pay more attention to national minorities? What's in the future for national minorities in Georgia? Watch the video below to find the answers. 

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Abdulaziz Zayed Al SHAMSI: "Georgia gains access to our global network and supply chains in more than 50 countries"

09.10.2024 (Caucasian Journal). We are delighted to welcome Mr. Abdulaziz ZAYED AL SHAMSI, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group (United Arab Emirates). 

AD Ports Group is a leading global maritime and logistics company, based in Abu Dhabi. The company has recently acquired a majority stake in Tbilisi Dry Port, and we believe our readers would be keen to learn more about this project and its importance for Georgia and the wider region.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Abdulaziz, welcome to our journal. Let's begin with your project in Georgia and then explore a broader international perspective. Your company has become the majority owner of Tbilisi Dry Port (TDP), which is scheduled to commence operations this October. For many readers, the term "dry port" might seem contradictory. Could you please explain what a dry port is and what types of operations will you be initiating this autumn?

Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi (AZA): Certainly. A dry port is sometimes referred to as an inland port. The Tbilisi Dry Port (TDP) is an intermodal terminal directly connected by road and rail to a seaport. TDP is a custom-bonded terminal with procedures in place to ensure customs duties are levied and paid, and it is rail-connected. It’s a logistics hub that can move containers, vehicles, and other goods for distribution and storage. TDP is an excellent fit for AD Ports Group. Not only does TDP represent a major step in our strategic expansion along the Middle Corridor between Asia and Europe, but it is also centrally positioned. TDP offers direct westward rail links to Türkiye and Georgia’s ports of Poti and Batumi. To the East, TDP connects with ports located along the Caspian Sea via a railway corridor to Azerbaijan. We have said that we expect to be operational in Tbilisi in Q4, when TDP begins its activities as a regional transit hub for manufacturers, shippers, and consignees moving all types of goods.