Russia’s ‘other’ European Neighbours

Liberal International (BG) in connection with the Paddy Ashdown Forum

Overview

Since Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022, attention has focussed quite rightly on the war. But threats and instability abound elsewhere in the region we once called 'eastern Europe'. In Moldova there are fears of a Russian attack and hopes of EU accession; in Belarus the precarious regime is facing and presenting new difficulties; and in the South Caucasus Georgia's democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations seem doomed whilst the Azerbaijanis and Armenians seem to be close to war again.

This event will examine Russia's actions and influence over its 'other' European neighbours. It will also ask if the new European Political Community can help with regional security.

Speakers

Edward Lucas - Russia's influence over its European neighbours

Edward Lucas is the the Liberal Democrat PPC for Cities of London and Westminster and is a former aide to Paddy Ashdown. He has four decades of experience in European security, including postings to Moscow, Berlin, Washington DC, Prague and the Baltic states. He has worked for the Economist and the BBC, and now writes a column for the Times and advises the CEPA think tank.

Edward will examine Russia's actual and desired influence over its European neighbours. He will discuss the out-of-date concepts of "post-Soviet" and "eastern Europe" and look to the future, including the role of the new European Political Community.

Dr Cristina Gherasimov (tbc) - the political situation in Moldova

Cristina Gherasimov is Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Moldova

Dr Carol Weaver - the South Caucasus & Nagorno-Karabakh

Carol Weaver is the author of many research-based academic publications including 'The Politics of the Black Sea Region' (2013). She is an LIBG executive member, a former PPC, and a member of the International Security policy working group.

Carol will discuss the current events in the South Caucasus, in particular how the disagreements between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh are causing the area to develop into a tinder box with Russia, the EU, the US, Iran, Israel and Turkey all drawn in once more as in the 2020 war.

Chair: Irina von Wiese

Irina is Chair of the Liberal International British Group, a councillor, and a former LibDem MEP for London