Events
Posted:
2 years ago
Heinrich Boell Foundation Holds Online Discussion on "War in Ukraine: Solidarity and Policy Response in Georgia and Germany"
On March 2, 11:30 Tbilisi time the Heinrich Boell Foundation Tbilisi Office – South Caucasus Region holds online discussion on “War in Ukraine: Solidarity and Policy Response in Georgia and Germany”.
The large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 has left much of the world in shock. Despite the warning signs, the majority of analysts expected neither such a comprehensive act of aggression, nor the powerful defense mounted by Ukraine. For most Georgians, the Kremlin’s attack and the terrible suffering of innocent civilians, forced to leave their homes and country behind, have brought back the traumas of the 2008 Russo-Georgian War. Georgians have taken to the streets in masses and many are advocating for a stronger policy response in line with the West. In Germany, several hundred thousand people showed their solidarity with Ukraine during large-scale demonstrations. In a major turn-around, the German government decided to supply weapons to Ukraine and proposes to increase defense spending significantly, including for controversial items such as armed drones.
In light of these developments, the non-governmental orgnization provides a platform for discussion focused on the following questions:
- How have the Georgian and German societies shown solidarity? What are the main messages of the various demonstrations taking place in Georgia and Germany?
- How has the Georgian government responded to the war and how have the Georgian public, civil society and opposition assessed its response?
- How has the German government responded to the war, bilaterally and within the EU? How is the major policy shift in Germany discussed within the traditionally dialogue-oriented German Greens and what are its implications for Europe?
- How does the Russian invasion affect the security of the South Caucasus countries, and what can be done to prevent further escalation?
Speakers are:
- Prof. Dr. Kornely Kakachia, Director, Georgian Institute of Politics;
- Merle Spellerberg, Member of the German Bundestag, Alliance 90/The Greens; Deputy Spokesperson for Foreign Policy of the Green Parliamentary Group;
- Otar Kobakhidze, Editor-in-Chief, Civil.ge.
Moderator: Dr. Sonja Schiffers, Director, Heinrich Boell Foundation Tbilisi Office - South Caucasus Region.
To join the event, one should register at:
https://bit.ly/3vn9JH2
https://bit.ly/3vn9JH2
Language of the event is English with simultaneous translation into Georgian.
"The Heinrich Boell Foundation South Caucasus declares its full solidarity with all Ukrainians; with our colleagues, partners, and friends. Kremlin aggression has victimized and keeps victimizing innocent people. We need to stand united against this shameful, rogue invasion that has no place in the 21st century."