Every Monday, the Research Trainees of the CERESE assess the news of the previous week. You can read their opinions below:

I like the news that Georgia’s Parliament has begun discussions for the passage of a law that aims to make the country less oligarchic. In June 2022, the European Union stated that it would grant Georgia candidate status if 12 requirements were met; among them was the eradication of oligarchic elements, which remain one of the traits of the country’s governance. According to the EU Ambassador to Georgia, this is a common issue in all of the post-Soviet space. This particular attempt is a positive development in the efforts to promote democratic values.

I like that COP27 saw positive developments on climate change finance. It is true that African countries are going to bear the brunt of the consequences of climate change without being responsible for it, as their GDP growth is expected to diminish by 64%. This situation needs immediate attention and this was the position of the states at the UN Summit. The U.K. referred to the deferred payment of debts of states affected by climate change, while Austria and New Zealand are preparing to finance them for the losses and damages they have suffered. It is positive that developed countries are taking small steps— at least— towards providing substantial assistance to developing countries.

I dislike the news that the Taliban prohibited women from using gyms in Afghanistan. This is only the latest edict the Taliban have issued since seizing power more than a year ago to restrict women’s rights and freedoms. Besides that, it is known that Afghan women are expected to hide their faces in public and stay away from long excursions unless a male relative accompanies them. Teenage girls are prohibited from attending secondary schools from grade seven through twelve, and the majority of female public sector employees have been instructed to stay at home. If the Taliban wish to be officially recognized by other nations, they ought to relax restrictions on women.

I dislike the news regarding Hungary’s denial to support the aid package that the European Union proposed for Ukraine, worth up to 18 billion euros in 2023. Once again, Hungary ruptures EU’s consistency and collective action, as it has been reluctant to implement EU sanctions towards Russia since the beginning of the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. It is important for Ukraine that the EU members approve this package as it would help immensely the war-torn country to cover their short-term funding needs for 2023, keep critical public services running, and proceed with the restoration of key infrastructure that has been destroyed.