Sebastian Schäffer for Caucasian Journal on the role of EU integration in preserving democracy and freedom

In an interview for Caucasian Journal, Sebastian Schäffer, Director of the IDM, enhances the importance of European integration for preserving freedom and democracy, both in candidate countries and in Member States. The discussion addressed the European Union’s perception of the Caucasus region, particularly Georgia, which obtained official EU candidate status in 2023 but has since experienced a slowdown in its accession process. The loss of this momentum results from the internal situation, including political instability and foreign interference, and from the stance of Member States which are not unaware to their cultural ties with Georgia and are blocking progress.

While in Moldova on the day of the parliamentary elections, Sebastian Schäffer shared his insights on the country’s prospects with the European Union. Although this country has made significant progress towards accession in recent years, it remains subject to considerable Russian meddling, as was particularly evident in the last elections in September 2025.

Regarding the future of the EU, Schäffer concludes by emphasising that democratic achievements, even within the member states, should never be taken for granted – if they are not actively safeguarded, they risk being lost.

You can find the full interview here: Sebastian SCHÄFFER: “The best way to preserve freedom is European integration” – YouTube