DOCSLIB.ORG

Download Series Brochure

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Download Series Brochure OVERVIEW This Second Webinar Series is part of CEELI to Justice During and After the Pandemic Institute’s program with the Central and East – is particularly relevant to the judiciary European Judicial Exchange Network. The in the current climate, but also touches on CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPEAN Network, which has been going since 2012, is numerous access to justice issues that have JUDICIAL EXCHANGE NETWORK comprised of some of the best and brightest on-going relevance beyond the current young judges from eighteen countries who extraordinary circumstances. The first gather regularly to share best practices on series, which explored Videoconferencing issues of judicial independence, integrity, in support of Remote Access to Courts, WEBINAR DISCUSSION accountability, and court management. As took place bi-weekly between April 7 and SERIES #2 international in-person meetings are likely May 19 2020, and is available on-demand to be limited for some time to come, the to all Network members through the CEELI ACCESS TO JUSTICE Webinar Series ensures that the Network Online platform. To request a logon for can continue to meet its mandate to improve CEELI Online to access content please email DURING AND AFTER judicial integrity and court efficiency [email protected]. This second series THE PANDEMIC in Central and Eastern Europe, despite aims to build on the first by looking beyond the global lockdowns resulting from the videoconferencing to broader justice issues June/July 2020 coronavirus pandemic. The topic – Access raised by the pandemic. WEBINAR #1 In this first session, a number of judges SPEAKERS: from the Judicial Network shared firsthand TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2020 experience of running hearings by JUDGE VICTORIA SANDUTA, (75 MINUTES) videoconference. In the Western Balkan Chisinau Court, region, there are several developments in the Republic of Moldova field of remote trials, and the presentation from North Macedonia featured the endeavors JUDGE LAZAR NANEV, of the small courts which set the regional President of the Basic Court TOPIC: precedent by organizing and adopting the in Kavadarci, North Macedonia REMOTE JUDGING AND first remote trials. Speakers examined VIDEOCONFERENCING IN THE the protection of procedural rights of the defendants during these remote trials and JUDGE GJORGJI ANDONOV, COURTS – THE EXPERIENCE OF President of the Basic Court in Stip, the role of the Judicial Media Council of North Macedonia JUDGE’S IN MOLDOVA, NORTH North Macedonia in safeguarding judicial MACEDONIA AND GEORGIA transparency. Judge Bichia from Georgia outlined the types of cases that he deals with, ANDREJ BOZHINOVSKI, LLM, Legal Adviser at the the practical issues, and how he has adapted Macedonian Judges Association, his approach as his experience of working North Macedonia remotely has progressed. Judge Victoria Sanduta from Moldova provided an overview JUDGE SHOTA BICHIA, of how Moldova has used videoconferencing Zugdidi District Court, in their court proceedings. Georgia WEBINAR #2 This session, in partnership with the OSCE SPEAKERS: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2020 Rights (ODIHR), explored how the courts (75 MINUTES) are preparing to function after pandemic ANDREA HUBER, conditions. ODIHR presented current research Deputy Chief, Rule of Law Unit, on the consequences of adopted emergency OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights measures and invited judges to further share their experience. What will be the effect of the TOPIC: unprecedented rate of suspended and delayed EXIT STRATEGIES cases? What new cases can the courts expect PROF. RACHEL MURRAY, & COURT MANAGEMENT to emerge as a result of the pandemic and the Director, Human Rights measures taken to control it? Many courts Implementation Centre School POST COVID-19 of Law, University of Bristol - were already struggling with delivering justice ODIHR consultant in a timely fashion – how should they be preparing for an even worse backlog? Can some of the measures that have been taken during the pandemic, such as the use of remote trials, be continued as a tool to expedite proceedings? What is the exit strategy? What lessons have we learned? WEBINAR #3 This week’s session began with a summary SPEAKERS: from Mr. Stephen Mason about the TUESDAY 30 JUNE 2020 development of electronic evidence, the available methods and tools, and a need for (75 MINUTES) MR. STEPHEN MASON, a conceptual change regarding judiciaries’ Barrister, views and interpretations of e-evidence. Do United Kingdom the established rules for paper evidence still apply? What are the benefits and complications TOPIC: of electronic evidence? Magistrate Santiago ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE AND Altamirano Escalante addressed the topic of DEALING WITH WITNESSES criminal justice for adolescents and juveniles MAGISTRATE SANTIAGO and his first-hand experiences with online ALTAMIRANO ESCALANTE, IN VIDEOCONFERENCE Yucatan, Mexico justice during the COVID-19 crisis in the HEARINGS State of Yucatan Mexico. Judge Bichia closed out the conversation with his experience and tips on utilizing remote tools for witness questioning. JUDGE SHOTA BICHIA, Zugdidi District Court, Georgia WEBINAR #4 This session takes a look at some of the very SPEAKERS: practical considerations that will come into TUESDAY 14 JULY 2020 play at the courts re-open. How will court (75 MINUTES) spaces need to be reoriented to keep staff and JUDGE KATICA ARTUKOVIC, users safe? What special considerations come Vice President Judges Association Federation play with into individuals in custody? How of Bosnia and Herzegovina will courts manage an increased backlog of cases? In addition, what elements of remote TOPIC: judging will remain in play and what are the AFTER THE CRISIS, WHAT potential challenges and risks associated with JACKIE BRYANT, WILL COURT OPERATIONS the use of technology for certain hearings in Clerk of Court and Court terms of safeguarding rights and adhering to Administrator for the Second LOOK LIKE? Judicial District Court, international standards. Washoe County, Nevada TIM MOLONEY QC, Doughty Street Chambers, London This project has been made possible www.ceeliinstitute.org through the generous support of the Bureau of nternational Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) at the U.S. Department of State. These sessions take place in the English language. Following each session, there is a summary of outcomes and recommendations. In addition, the Webinar series is hosted on our learning platform, CEELI Online, together with other supporting material or slides referred to by the speakers, as well as an archive containing many other resources and relevant links. Access to this closed, password protected group is provided for members of the CEE Judicial Network. Those that wish to secure access can email [email protected]. A discussion forum within the learning platform will also support conversation and peer-to-peer engagement beyond the limit of the actual webinars. You might also be interested to listen to our podcast series – ’CEELI talks’ - which touches on many of these subjects and is available to all at www.ceeliinstitute.org.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • European Influences in Moldova Page 2
    Master Thesis Human Geography Name : Marieke van Seeters Specialization : Europe; Borders, Governance and Identities University : Radboud University, Nijmegen Supervisor : Dr. M.M.E.M. Rutten Date : March 2010, Nijmegen Marieke van Seeters European influences in Moldova Page 2 Summary The past decades the European continent faced several major changes. Geographical changes but also political, economical and social-cultural shifts. One of the most debated topics is the European Union and its impact on and outside the continent. This thesis is about the external influence of the EU, on one of the countries which borders the EU directly; Moldova. Before its independency from the Soviet Union in 1991, it never existed as a sovereign state. Moldova was one of the countries which were carved out of history by the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact in 1940 as it became a Soviet State. The Soviet ideology was based on the creation of a separate Moldovan republic formed by an artificial Moldovan nation. Although the territory of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic was a former part of the Romanian province Bessarabia, the Soviets emphasized the unique and distinct culture of the Moldovans. To underline this uniqueness they changed the Moldovan writing from Latin to Cyrillic to make Moldovans more distinct from Romanians. When Moldova became independent in 1991, the country struggled with questions about its national identity, including its continued existence as a separate nation. In the 1990s some Moldovan politicians focussed on the option of reintegration in a Greater Romania. However this did not work out as expected, or at least hoped for, because the many years under Soviet rule and delinkage from Romania had changed Moldovan society deeply.
    [Show full text]
  • Lauren A. Shumate
    Lauren A. Shumate Associate Fort Lauderdale [email protected] 954-468-1350 Practice & Industry Education Bar & Court Admissions Areas University of Notre Dame, Florida Bar, 2017 Business Litigation Notre Dame, IN, J.D., cum laude, 2017 Construction Law University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, MA, 2014 University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, BA, magna cum laude, 2010 Overview Lauren Shumate focuses her practice on complex litigation. She is personally dedicated to providing diligent legal representation in an efficient manner. Prior to joining Gunster, Lauren interned for the Honorable James D. Whittemore of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, as well as for the Honorable Raymond O. Gross of the Sixth Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida. Additionally, Lauren has concentrated on developing her litigation skills by interning with the Florida Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and trying misdemeanor and traffic cases at the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in Elkhart, Indiana. Prior to her legal career, Lauren was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to Serbia where she taught English at the University of Nis and served as a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Law in Nis, Serbia. She also worked closely with the United States Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia assisting with rule of law and judicial reform efforts. 1 of 3 Lauren previously competed on the Women’s Professional Tennis Tour and achieved a world ranking before accepting a full scholarship to play collegiate tennis. She served as captain of the varsity tennis team and was named a graduate assistant coach while pursuing her master’s degree.
    [Show full text]
  • Automatic Exchange of Information: Status of Commitments
    As of 27 September 2021 AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION (AEOI): STATUS OF COMMITMENTS1 JURISDICTIONS UNDERTAKING FIRST EXCHANGES IN 2017 (49) Anguilla, Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus2, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montserrat, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Seychelles, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom JURISDICTIONS UNDERTAKING FIRST EXCHANGES BY 2018 (51) Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan3, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica4, Greenland, Grenada, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Macau (China), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue4, Pakistan3, Panama, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sint Maarten4, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago4, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu JURISDICTIONS UNDERTAKING FIRST EXCHANGES BY 2019 (2) Ghana3, Kuwait5 JURISDICTIONS UNDERTAKING FIRST EXCHANGES BY 2020 (3) Nigeria3, Oman5, Peru3 JURISDICTIONS UNDERTAKING FIRST EXCHANGES BY 2021 (3) Albania3, 7, Ecuador3, Kazakhstan6
    [Show full text]
  • Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina ______
    FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MOLDOVA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA _______________ FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA PREAMBLE Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Government of the Republic of Moldova (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”), Reaffirming their desire to actively participate in the process of economic integration in Europe; Admitting that Parties are willing to consolidate these relations and to establish strong and durable relationships of cooperation and economic integration; Reaffirming their commitment to pluralist democracy based on observance of the rules, rights and basic human liberties of the state governed by the rule of law; Firmly convinced that this Agreement will promote intensification of commercial mutually advantageous exchange leading to creation of a wide zone of free trade, and contributing to the process of European integration; Resolved for this purpose to progressively eliminate the barriers in mutual trade in general, in conformity with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994) and the Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), Bosnia and Herzegovina having objective to become WTO member; Considering that no provision of this Agreement may be interpreted as exempting the Parties from their obligations under other international agreements, Have agreed as follows: Article 1 Objectives 1. The Parties shall gradually establish a free trade area on substantially all their bilateral trade in a
    [Show full text]
  • Moldova: Basic Facts
    Order Code 95-403 F Updated June 26, 2001 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Moldova: Basic Facts Steven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary This short report provides information and analysis on Moldova, including its history, political and economic situation, foreign policy, and U.S. policy toward Moldova. This report will be updated as events warrant. History Moldova at a Glance Moldova is a part of the area Land Area: 33,371 sq. km., about the size of known historically as Bessarabia, Maryland. geographically delineated by the Prut River on the west, the Dniestr River Population: 4.4 million (2000 estimate) on the north and east, the Black Sea on the southeast, and the Kiliya Gross Domestic Product (GDP): $1.41 billion (Chilia) arm of the Danube delta on in 2000. the south. The Republic of Moldova approximately coincides with the Ethnic Composition: 64.5% Moldovan, eastern half of the Romanian 13.8% Ukrainian, 12.8% Russian, 3.5% principality of Moldavia (1359- Gagauz (Turkic-speaking Orthodox Christians), 1859). In 1812 it was ceded to 2.0% Bulgarian (1989 census). Russia by the Ottoman Empire. Most of this area remained under Political Leaders: President: Vladimir Russian control until 1918. At that Voronin; Prime Minister: Vasile Tarlev; time the whole of Bessarabia became Foreign Minister: Nicolae Chernomaz; part of Romania. This reintegration Parliament Chairman: Yevgenia Ostapchuk with Romania was never recognized by the Soviet Union which, in Sources: 2000 CIA Factbook, Economist October 1924, established the Intelligence Unit, International Monetary Fund Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) on the east bank of the Dniestr (in Ukraine).
    [Show full text]
  • Reforming the Social Protection System Through the Introduction of a New Child Benefits System and Integrated Case Management Approach
    Realising Children’s Rights through Social Policy in Europe and Central Asia Action Area 1 A Compendium of UNICEF’s Contributions (2014-2020) 40 NORTH MACEDONIA // Reforming the Social Protection System through the Introduction of a new Child Benefits System and Integrated Case Management Approach © UNICEF/UNI200268/Nybo Realising Children’s Rights through Social Policy in Europe and Central Asia 41 A Compendium of UNICEF’s Contributions (2014-2020) North Macedonia Issue North Macedonia has recently made moderate gains in other social care services, which generated duplications in economic growth development. However, this progress coverage and money, and wasted time. Widespread lack has not been evenly distributed. The at-risk-of-poverty of (disaggregated) data and analysis of the impact of social rate and the combined risk of poverty or social exclusion protection on children made implementation and impact rate among children are very high: 28.6% and 46.1% monitoring difficult. respectively.86 A 2018 Gini coefficient of 31.987 implies high inequality in wealth distribution. Moreover, it is the only North Macedonia has a long history of providing social Western Balkan country that has shown a growth in infant services for families. The two main providers are the mortality between 2013 and 2017. It also experiences high Centres for Social Work (CSWs) and the Employment rates of family violence, low pre-school enrolment, and Service Agencies (ESAs). The 30 CSWs are the country’s poor primary and secondary school outcomes.88 Those key main social protection hubs, administering all cash benefits aspects of the social protection system capable of reducing and delivering social support and care services, including these challenges – the cash benefit and social care system – psycho-social support.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of the Moldovan-Czech Economic Relations: Hindrances and Opportunities for Increasing Bilateral Trade and Investment
    Michal Mejstrik Valeriu Prohni Ńchi Dita Tesarkova Alex Oprunenco Julie Chytilova Petru Maleru Michal Bauer Victor Bor ş Jan Slavicek Analysis of the Moldovan-Czech Economic Relations: Hindrances and Opportunities for Increasing Bilateral Trade and Investment A study developed under the joint Moldovan-Czech project “Enforcing Economic Development Policies through Building Czech-Moldovan Partnership” implemented by the EEIP a.s. (Czech Republic) and EXPERT-GRUP think-tank (Republic of Moldova). Chi şin ău-Prague 2007 1 The Czech partner 7Národní 981/ 17, Praha 1 –Staré M ěsto, 110 08, Czech Republic tel.: +420 224 232 754, +420 224 224 242, fax: +420 224 238 738, e-mail: [email protected] , The Moldovan partner Alecu Russo str., 1, office 318, Chi şin ău, MD-2068, Republic of Moldova tel.: +373 22 43 82 80, +373 22 43 82 45, fax: ++373 22 43 82 80, e-mail: [email protected] , web: www.expert-grup.org 2 Contents 1. Czech experience of transition: relevant lessons for the Republic of Moldova..................................11 1.1. Experience of macroeconomic stabilization..............................................................................11 1.2. Experience from privatization...................................................................................................13 1.3. Advancing the foreign trade......................................................................................................14 1.4. Attracting FDI: key features of an enabling investment climate...............................................16 1.5.
    [Show full text]
  • Caucasus and Moldova
    110 | MISSION NOTES 4.1 Mission Notes Caucasus and Moldova t the end of the Cold War, secessionist conflicts A broke out in the former Soviet republics OSCE Office in Baku of Moldova and Georgia, while Armenia and Authorization Date 16 November 1999 Azerbaijan were drawn into a war over Nagorno- (PC.DEC/318) Karabakh, a region within Azerbaijan with an Start Date July 2000 ethnically Armenian majority that unilaterally Head of Mission Ambassador Koray Targay declared independence in 1991. None of these (Turkey) Budget $4.0 million wars ended decisively, resulting in a series of (1 January 2011- internationally-monitored frozen conflicts. While 31 December 2011) Russian peacekeepers deployed to disputed areas Strength as of International Staff: 15 of Georgia and Moldova, the Organization for 30 April 2011 National Staff: 29 Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) For detailed mission information see p. 286 sent political missions to both countries and the UN dispatched military observers to Abkhazia, the largest secessionist region in Georgia. Since 1992, OSCE Office in Yerevan the OSCE has orchestrated efforts to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. These efforts are led Authorization Date 22 July 1999 jointly by France, Russia and the US through the (PC.DEC/314) “Minsk Process.” Start Date February 2000 While the European Union (EU) has also Head of Mission Ambassador Sergey Kapinos (Russian Federation) engaged in conflict resolution efforts in both Mol- Budget $4.0 million dova and the Caucasus, political progress has been (1 January 2011- limited in all cases. Tensions between Russia and 31 December 2011) Georgia over Abkhazia and the separate secessionist Strength as of International Staff: 6 30 April 2011 National Staff: 46 region of South Ossetia culminated in war in 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region COVID-19
    Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region COVID-19 Situation Report No. 1 © UNFPA United Nations Population Fund Reporting Period: as of 17 April 2020 Highlights Situation in Numbers ● All countries have reported COVID-19 cases except Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, with Turkey 93,019 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases being the most affected. ● Restrictions, lockdowns and border closures are affecting operations, supply chains and procurement of personal protective equipment 1,993 COVID-19 Deaths and other supplies resulting in shortages.1 Source: WHO April 17, 2020 ● Lockdowns make it difficult to reach and assist vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, people with disabilities, minorities, elderly, pregnant and lactating women, survivors Key Population Groups of gender-based violence and homeless people. ● There is limited access to some regions in Kosovo (UNSCR 1244*), and difficulties in 3 M Pregnant Women coordination of service delivery in several countries due to changing referral pathways and reporting lines. 63 M Women of Reproductive Age ● UNFPA is working with governments and partners to maintain sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services, 53 M Young People (age 10-24) including psychosocial support, and support to elderly people. ● UNFPA has mobilized the youth across the 26 M Older Persons (age 65+) region to support COVID-19 prevention and response, and vulnerable communities, including the elderly. ● UNFPA joined UN Women in rolling out a Funding Status for Region (US$) regional rapid gender assessment on COVID-19 impact. Funds Received * All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of the 1.6 M United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).
    [Show full text]
  • Central African Republic Report of the Secretary-Gen
    United Nations S/2020/545 Security Council Distr.: General 16 June 2020 Original: English Central African Republic Report of the Secretary-General I. Introduction 1. By its resolution 2499 (2019), the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) until 15 November 2020 and requested me to report on its implementation every four months. The present report provides an update on major developments in the Central African Republic since the previous report of 14 February 2020 (S/2020/124), including the impact of the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was officially declared in the Central African Republic on 14 March. II. Political situation Political developments 2. The political environment was marked by increased mobilization ahead of the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 2020, contributing to tensions between political stakeholders. The Special Representative of the Secretary- General for the Central African Republic and Head of MINUSCA, Mankeur Ndiaye, with his good offices and political facilitation mandate, engaged with national stakeholders and international partners to encourage constructive and inclusive political dialogue to preserve fragile gains. 3. On 11 February, 14 opposition parties formed the Coalition de l’opposition démocratique with the proclaimed objective of ensuring free, fair, inclusive and timely elections. The coalition includes the parties Union pour le renouveau centrafricain of the former Prime Minister, Anicet-Georges Dologuélé; the Kwa Na Kwa of the former President, François Bozizé; the Convention républicaine pour le progrès social of the former Prime Minister, Nicolas Tiangaye; the Chemin de l’espérance of the former President of the National Assembly, Karim Meckassoua; and the Be Africa Ti E Kwe of the former Prime Minister, Mahamat Kamoun.
    [Show full text]
  • Agreement Between the Republic of Hungary and the Republic of Moldova for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments
    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY AND THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA FOR THE PROMOTION AND RECIPROCAL PROTECTION OF INVESTMENTS The Republic of Hungary and the Republic of Moldova (hereinafter referred to as the "Contracting Parties"), Desiring to intensify economic cooperation to the mutual benefit of both States, Intending to create and maintain favourable conditions for investments of investors of one State in the territory of the other State, and Conscious that the promotion and reciprocal protection of investments, according to the present Agreement, stimulates the business initiatives in this field, Have agreed as follows: Article 1 Definitions For the purposes of this Agreement: l. The term "investment" shall comprise every kind of asset invested in connection with economic activities by an investor of one Contracting Party in the territory of the other Contracting Party in accordance with the laws and regulations of the latter and shall include, in particular, though not exclusively: (a) movable and immovable property as well as any other property rights in rem such as mortgages, liens, pledges and similar rights; (b) shares, stocks and debentures of companies or, any other form of participation in a company; (c) claims to money or to any performance having an economic value associated with an investment; (d) intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trade marks, patents, industrial designs, technical processes, know-how, trade secrets, trade names and goodwill associated with an investment; (e) any right conferred by law or under contract and any licenses and permits pursuant to law, including the concessions to search for, extract, cultivate or exploit natural resources.
    [Show full text]
  • 11 Georgia and Moldova: Staying the Course
    11 Georgia and Moldova: Staying the Course Mamuka Tsereteli The West’s response to the recent Russian aggression in Ukraine has clearly demonstrated the limited immediate ability of the United States and the EU to challenge Russia’s actions. The U.S. and the EU are, however, in search of a long-term strategy that could, if needed, impose substantial costs on the Rus- sian Federation. Some elements of the strategy were embedded in the EU’s Eastern Partnership project, which was designed after the Russian-Georgian war and the ensuing Russian occupation of Georgian territories. The intent of the project is to ex- pand the area under the umbrella of Western values and to promote economic rules and trade with countries in the immediate vicinity of the EU which aspire to further European integration. While participant countries were not provided with a perspective of membership, the project was clearly initiated to bring those countries closer to the EU. The Eastern Partnership initiative, led by Sweden and Poland, was launched in 2009, and by November 2013, Georgia and Moldova had initialized an Association Agreement (AA) with the EU, which they signed in June 2014. The magnitude of Russia’s resistance to the EU’s Eastern Partnership initiative was vividly demonstrated by Moscow’s steps to prevent Armenia from initial- izing the AA, as well as by the pressure applied to Ukraine, which Russia per- suaded not to sign the AA, just days before the Vilnius Summit (These cases are studied in detail in the contributions of Armen Grigoryan and James Sherr to this volume).
    [Show full text]