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. 

To be the first to view all our exclusive video interviews, please subscribe here to our YouTube Channel.

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.