Priority Areas


In Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan FES aims at fostering peaceful conflict resolution, democracy and a social market economy. This however cannot be achieved by promoting standardized models in the three countries of the South Caucasus. Our priority areas are adapted to the distinct political, social, cultural and economic conditions in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Priority Areas in Georgia

Social Market Economy: In order to develop business and attract foreign investments, Georgia has massively liberalized its economy and deregulated its markets. In order to bring Georgia closer to European standards of market regulation in the long run, FES helps promoting a process of economic development that is economically, socially and ecologically sustainable, that respects labour rights and that provide a decent work environment for the people.

From Conflict to Confidence-Building: Georgia faces the challenge of developing strategies for a peaceful and long-term settlement of territorial conflicts. FES helps elaborating such strategies and cooperates with NGOs and political actors who belief that the existing conflicts can only be solved through mutual understanding, dialogue and confidence-building between the conflicting parties.

 


Promoting Political Participation: Georgia’s process of political transformation is ongoing. The country faces the challenge of consolidating its democratic institutions and developing a democratic culture that brings Georgia closer to Europe. FES contributes to this process by promoting political participation in civil society organizations, political parties and local self-governing bodies. 

Priority Areas in Armenia 

Improving Relations between Armenia and Turkey: After more than a decade of tense relations, closed borders and a lack of diplomatic relations, Armenia and Turkey are moving to normalize relations. FES supports this process by strengthening bilateral dialog and cross-boarder civil society initiatives.

Supporting independent media: Freedom of the press and independent media is a critical element of building strong democracies and promoting peace. FES supports journalists and media institutions in Armenia in exercising their rights and promotes the development of independent and professional media in the country. 

Making democratic institutions work: While the Armenian constitution establishes a system checks and balances, many democratic institutions do not adequately or appropriately perform their functions. FES supports society organisations to perform a watch-dog function and to provide policy options for reforming Armenia’s governance institutions in order to enhance the country’s integration process to Europe. 


Priority Areas in Azerbaijan

Promoting democracy: Within the process of modernization of state and society, the challenge of establishing a democratic and transparent form of governance requires the participation of the citizens and their organizations. The project supports platforms and partners which offer opportunities for active engagement, especially in the area of labor, on the local level and among the youth.

Fostering social coherence: The establishment of a legal, an institutional and a political framework of the protection of social rights and of social dialogue are essential elements of the development towards social justice and a welfare state. The project supports initiatives and partners who contribute to this objective. The strengthening of trade unions, social partnership and workers’ rights are central tasks within this area of activities.

Bringing the European Union closer: There is room for improvement in the relation between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Mutual understanding and close cooperation is required in order to further develop and strengthen the relation. The project supports dialogue and exchange of information and experiences, among others, within the European Neighborhood Policy and the Eastern Partnership programs; as part of the cooperation between Germany and Azerbaijan, the project aims for the strengthening of the cooperation between our societies.