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.
Promoting peaceful conflict-resolution: The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorny-Karabakh is a considerable obstacle to stability in the Southern Caucasus. FES tries to promote the mutual understanding between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the aim of bringing about a balance of interests and drawing up policy options for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Priority Areas in Azerbaijan
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.
Promoting Democratic Transition: Azerbaijan still faces the challenge of establishing a democratic and transparent form of governance. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is involved in supporting the process of democratisation and the establishment of an independent civil society. FES supports reform-oriented organisations and decision-makers and tries to strengthen the dialogue between Civil Society and Government.
Sustainable Use of Oil-Revenues: Azerbaijan has accumulated substantial revenues through extracting and exporting oil and gas. FES supports civil society organisation in promoting the debate about the management of these revenues and in elaborating policy option on how to extract, manage and spend them in a transparent and sustainable way.
Promoting peaceful conflict-resolution: The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorny-Karabakh is a considerable obstacle to peace and stability in the Southern Caucasus. FES tries to promote the mutual understanding between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the aim of bringing about a balance of interests and drawing up policy options for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
