Southeast Europe

Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric has been a central element of the Georgian Dream’s anti-democratic turn towards the far right. How do anti-LGBTQ+ statements and policies help GD expand its grip on power, and why does this strategy work? 

The judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued arrest warrants for Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska and two other officials for violating the state constitution. The political crisis threatens state institutions and the rule of law.

The ruling Georgian Dream party won Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary elections by engaging in election manipulation, adopting the classical illiberal-authoritarian playbook. The EU must now insist on an independent investigation.

On September 20, 2024, a group dressed in Serbian nationalist clothing entered KROKODIL's office, removed the Ukrainian flag and intimidated the staff. KROKODIL, a literary organization and partner of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, is facing increasing attacks on civil society in Serbia. We herewith express our solidarity and continuous support for KROKODIL.

The Rio Tinto controversy in Serbia revolves around the planned Jadar lithium mine. Despite economic benefits, strong opposition arises due to environmental concerns such as water shortages and pollution. Local protesters demand more environmental protection.

Serbian memory politics obscures the reasons for the NATO intervention, which strengthens Vučić's power. He presents himself as a defender of the fatherland, despite contradictions with reality.

This article discusses the potential of a feminist approach to climate justice and feminist foreign and development policy. The authors, Gina Cortés Valderrama and Katy Wiese, argue that feminist perspectives are unabdingbar in addressing economic rights, energy transition, and climate-related damages and losses.

In December 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev surprisingly announced snap presidential elections. Accordingly, Azerbaijani voters will go to the polls on February 7th. These elections signal one thing: the consolidation of authoritarian power.