Eastern Partnership Index 2023: "A dose of realism is needed"

25.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal). The new Eastern Partnership Index, published yesterday, grabs the reader's attention immediately with a stunning cover image - the famous photograph with a EU flag, taken in Tbilisi during the 2023's standoff in front of the Parliament building. 

The content of the 200-page report reflects important - and often alarming - tendencies in Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus - the six Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. 

Marking its 9th edition, the publication tracks the reform progress made in the fields of democracy, good governance, rule of law, policy convergence and sustainable development between September 2021 and November 2023. It shows how Russia’s war impacts reforms in the EaP countries, and the different levels of these countries' approximation of with the European Union.

"The pace at which Moldova, Ukraine as well as Georgia gained their EU candidate status has been breathtaking", - reads the Index. "Whilst this positive momentum should be celebrated, the results of the EaP Index indicate that a dose of realism is also needed."

For Georgia (ranked 3rd overall), the Index’ results sadly demonstrate "a significant downwards drift, if not a sharp plunge in many areas which reflects the country’s political polarisation".

Read more news from Caucasian Journal - and stay positive! 😊

As Caucasian Journal marks our 5th anniversary since launch, we thought that the best way to celebrate is to offer more news and information to our respected readers. 

That's why we have started Caucasian Journal GOOD NEWS, which, as we hope, is a useful addition to our main content. Here are some reasons why to follow our new newsfeed:

• They save your time. The news are very brief, and well illustrated. In most cases you don't even need to read, as the images are self-explanatory;

• They help to save your good mood. We do our best to emphasize the positive developments, arts, culture, and other fun sides of life;

• We publish them on a daily basis!

The best way to read GOOD NEWS is in our social networks, such as our new WhatsApp channel and Telegram channel (please subscribe and share). After appearing in WhatsApp and Telegram, the GOOD NEWS show up in our Facebook and LinkedIn feeds, which you are also welcome to follow. And, if you prefer even shorter texts, you may subscribe to our X (former Twitter) or Instagram. 

We do not use bots, tricks, or commercial ads to build up our readership, so if you like our information, please take a minute to share and invite your friends and contacts to our channels. Thank you, we cover what matters - to you!

Andrew JEWELL: "We would like to see the IMF program back on track"

17.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal) Our guest today is Andrew JEWELL, Resident Representative for Georgia at International Monetary Fund (IMF). 

▶ ქართულად:  Read the Georgian version here.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal: Dear Andrew, happy New Year, and welcome to Caucasian Journal! Thank you for finding time for our readers in your busy schedule. You were appointed IMF Representative in Georgia last August, but your previous place of work was Bosnia and Herzegovina – not too far from this region. Do you still feel “new” to Georgia? 

Andrew JEWELL: Although a lot has happened since I arrived, I still feel quite new. Besides getting up to speed on economic issues, I’m trying to better understand Georgia’s history, the political dynamics in the country, and the geopolitical context. I’m also trying to learn Georgian language, which I find fascinating and very difficult!

AK:  Indeed it is... With diplomas from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and Sorbonne, and many years with IMF, you have a unique combination of knowledge – from computer science to political science to global finance. Can you tell a little bit about yourself, and your professional interests? And how did you get to Georgia? 

Up to €300,000 EU funding for literary translations – open to Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine

16.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal). The EU-funded Creative Europe programme has launched a call to support the translation, promotion and circulation of European literary works of fiction, including novels, poetry, comics etc. 

The scheme, with a total budget of €5 million, will provide funding for 40 projects.

Interested organisations can apply individually or as members of a consortium, with a minimum two eligible organisations. Works of fiction in languages from countries taking part in the Creative Europe programme, including Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine, are eligible. 

Applicants can apply with projects of different sizes, with these different ceilings for the number of books translated and funding received:

• Small scale: projects proposing translation of up to 10 different books can receive up to €100,000;
• Medium scale: projects proposing translation of up to 20 different books can receive up to €200,000;
• Large scale: projects proposing translation of at least 21 different books can receive up to €300,000.

Sergei Parajanov at 100: Cult film director and symbol of Armenian and Georgian art fusion

A statue of  Parajanov unveiled today in Yerevan 

09.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal). Caucasian Journal today joins in the celebration of 100 years since birth of Sergei PARAJANOV - world famous film director, who also symbolizes the interconnection and interdependence of  the Armenian, Georgian, and all Caucasian art and culture. 

"In the temple of cinema, there are images, light and reality. Sergei Parajanov was the master of that temple," - said Jean-Luc Godard, arguably the most influential French filmmaker.

Sergei Parajanov (1924–1990) was indeed a multifaceted and influential figure in the world of cinema, known for his unique artistic vision and a body of work that remains highly regarded. Born in Tbilisi, to Armenian parents, Parajanov's life and career were marked by a rich blend of cultural influences from both Georgia and Armenia.

The Parajanov’s anniversary is included in the UNESCO list of anniversaries of outstanding personalities, and is celebrated worldwide, including Yerevan and Tbilisi. A statue of  Parajanov was unveiled today in Yerevan, in the area adjacent to the Cinema House (see photo). Yerevan municipality is planning  to name the square where the statue is placed The Color of Pomegranates Square -  in honor of Sergei Parajanov’s film entitled "The Color of Pomegranates". In Tbilisi, IArt Gallery is organizing a special event in honor of the maestro. 

European competition welcomes performing art professionals from Armenia and Georgia

08.01.2024 (Caucasian Journal) Are you - or a friend of yours - a performing arts professional living in Georgia, Armenia, or the rest of Europe? If yes, read on: This is an opportunity for you and your friends.  

Perform Europe, a European funding scheme supported by the European Union, has  launched an open call offering €2.1 million for performing arts partnerships to collaborate across borders within the 40 Creative Europe countries, including Armenia and Georgia.

The call is open to all performing arts professionals and organisations in Creative Europe countries. The applications should be submitted by partnerships with a minimum of three partners from three different Creative Europe countries. 

Applicants can apply for grants in three categories: €12,000, €32,000 or €60,000. The deadline for submitting applications is 31 March. To read full details and apply click here.