We are proud to announce that our chief editor’s article titled “Georgië vecht ook voor de veiligheid van Europa“ (”Georgia also Fights for the Safety of Europe”) has been published today in the Dutch newspaper Trouw. It addresses the crucial role of Georgia in European security amid Russia’s aggressive actions, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s destabilizing actions in Moldova. The article stresses the urgent need for strong and resolute support for Georgia, as it fights for democracy, sovereignty, and European values, alongside Ukraine. The West must act decisively to prevent further Russian expansion and safeguard these countries’ aspirations for peace and European integration.
A translation of the article to English is provided below:
Georgia also Fights for the Safety of Europe
Putin is determined to sabotage every effort toward European integration. Like Ukraine and Moldova, Georgia deserves support, argues Beata Bruggeman-Sekowska.
Beata Bruggeman-Sękowska is a journalist at the Center for Central and Eastern Europe.
The West must not leave Georgia to fight alone. The situation in this small but strategically vital country reflects the broader conflict between Russia and Europe. Like in Ukraine and Moldova, Russia is waging a relentless campaign to keep countries in its sphere of influence at the expense of democracy, freedom, and European values. If the West fails to act decisively in Georgia, it risks repeating the mistakes of 2014 when hesitation to support Ukraine led to prolonged instability. Georgia, like Ukraine, is fighting not only for its freedom but also for Europe’s values and security.
In 2008, Russia invaded Georgia, occupying over 20% of its territory, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The strategy of isolation, division, and weakening became a blueprint for later actions in Ukraine. After the Georgian war, Russia recognized the independence of these regions, permanently stationing troops and asserting control. A similar pattern emerged in Ukraine in 2014, justified by claims of protecting “separatists” in Luhansk and Donetsk.
Putin’s tactics go beyond military aggression. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili aptly described Moscow’s “electoral warfare”—spreading disinformation, launching cyberattacks, and manipulating elections to undermine democratic institutions. Recent Georgian elections highlighted these tactics, with reports of violence, fraud, and interference by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, accused of adopting Kremlin-style methods like suppressing press freedom and restricting NGOs.
Moldova faces similar challenges. Despite an aggressive Russian campaign of cyberattacks, espionage, and vote-buying, Moldovans have maintained a pro-European course. However, the persistent Russian pressure underscores Putin’s determination to thwart Western integration. These developments highlight a recurring pattern of Russian interference and the urgent need for a Western response.
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Recent protests in Georgia are a powerful signal. Tens of thousands have taken to the streets against a government delaying EU accession until 2028 and aligning with Moscow. Their defiance echoes Ukraine’s 2013 Euromaidan protests, where citizens rose against a pro-Russian government rejecting an EU association agreement.
Despite tear gas, water cannons, and violent crackdowns, Georgian protesters remain steadfast. Their struggle is not just political; it is about identity, sovereignty, and a future rooted in European values. This movement has broad support—from ambassadors to ordinary citizens—underscoring widespread rejection of Russian interference, even if the government does not.
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Georgia is geopolitically critical. Situated on the Black Sea, near NATO-member Turkey, it serves as a vital link between Europe and Central Asia. For Russia, maintaining influence in Georgia undermines European stability and security. For the West, defending Georgia tests its commitment to democracy, sovereignty, and European values.
The mistakes of 2014, when the West hesitated to support Ukraine, must not be repeated. That inaction emboldened Russia, resulting in years of conflict and unrest. Georgia deserves better. By acting decisively now, the West can demonstrate its resolve to resist authoritarian threats and defend its fundamental values.
