Sonja Schiffers
@sonjaschiffers.bsky.social
Director of @boell.de South Caucasus Office, based in Tbilisi.
German & EU foreign policy | Wider Europe | democracy & autocracy | peace & security | feminism. PhD from FU Berlin. FirstGen. All views personal.
German & EU foreign policy | Wider Europe | democracy & autocracy | peace & security | feminism. PhD from FU Berlin. FirstGen. All views personal.
Join us online on December 4 to discuss Russian interference in Armenia’s upcoming elections and lessons to draw from Moldova 🗳️
calendar.boell.de/en/event/boe...
calendar.boell.de/en/event/boe...
Boell Talks: Disinformation and External Interference in Armenian Politics
As Armenia approaches critical parliamentary elections expected to be held on June 7, 2026, the integrity of information and public trust in democratic processes are facing growing challenges. Russian...
calendar.boell.de
November 20, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Join us online on December 4 to discuss Russian interference in Armenia’s upcoming elections and lessons to draw from Moldova 🗳️
calendar.boell.de/en/event/boe...
calendar.boell.de/en/event/boe...
Our new article on the changing Azerbaijani diaspora in Berlin ⬇️
In our latest article, Mark Scheider - who writes under a pseudonym to protect their identity - examines the rise of an “alternative diaspora” among Azerbaijani emigrants in Berlin, shaped by shared values and political experiences.
🔗Read the full article: shorten.ly/UWQD
🔗Read the full article: shorten.ly/UWQD
November 20, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Our new article on the changing Azerbaijani diaspora in Berlin ⬇️
Excellent article by Florian Sädler @civil.ge on Germany's migration and deportation policy regarding #Georgia, with a few comments from me. Given the increasing repressions in Georgia, at least a thorough review of Georgia's status as a safe country of origin is needed. civil.ge/archives/710...
‘Too Late’: Khangoshvili Family Case Highlights Shift in German Deportation Policy - Civil Georgia
Author: Florian Sädler Weeks have passed since several family members of Zelimkhan Khangoshvili, a G
civil.ge
November 14, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Excellent article by Florian Sädler @civil.ge on Germany's migration and deportation policy regarding #Georgia, with a few comments from me. Given the increasing repressions in Georgia, at least a thorough review of Georgia's status as a safe country of origin is needed. civil.ge/archives/710...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
🟢 Wir laden ein zur Buchvorstellung 📖 "Das Versagen – Eine investigative Geschichte der deutschen Russlandpolitik" I 📅 Mi, 10. Dezember 2025 I 🕕 19.30 – 21.00 Uhr I 📍 Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin oder im Livestream 🎬 I Infos & Anmeldung ⬇️ calendar.boell.de/de/event/das...
Das Versagen – Eine investigative Geschichte der deutschen Russlandpolitik Mit Katja Gloger und Georg Mascolo im Gespräch mit Franziska Brantner
Warum hielt Deutschland so lange an der Vorstellung fest, Russland sei ein verlässlicher Partner? Welche Fehleinschätzungen prägten die deutsche Haltung gegenüber Wladimir Putin und warum blieb Angela...
calendar.boell.de
November 6, 2025 at 12:51 PM
🟢 Wir laden ein zur Buchvorstellung 📖 "Das Versagen – Eine investigative Geschichte der deutschen Russlandpolitik" I 📅 Mi, 10. Dezember 2025 I 🕕 19.30 – 21.00 Uhr I 📍 Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin oder im Livestream 🎬 I Infos & Anmeldung ⬇️ calendar.boell.de/de/event/das...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Looking forward to welcoming you at @boell.de in less than 2 weeks!
Registration is still open 👇
Registration is still open 👇
📅 Conference | Resilience & Reforms in Ukraine at Wartime | 18–19 NOV in Berlin
Join us to discuss, connect & celebrate 20 years of Kyiv Dialogue together.
Save your spot: www.kyiv-dialogue.org/de/id-2025.h...
@boell.de @bertelsmannst.bsky.social @evzfoundation.bsky.social @dgoberlin.bsky.social
Join us to discuss, connect & celebrate 20 years of Kyiv Dialogue together.
Save your spot: www.kyiv-dialogue.org/de/id-2025.h...
@boell.de @bertelsmannst.bsky.social @evzfoundation.bsky.social @dgoberlin.bsky.social
November 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Looking forward to welcoming you at @boell.de in less than 2 weeks!
Registration is still open 👇
Registration is still open 👇
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
"To the end! To the victory!" - Georgians march in protest on the anniversary of disputed parliamentary elections and day 333 of non-stop #GeorgiaProtests
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
October 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
"To the end! To the victory!" - Georgians march in protest on the anniversary of disputed parliamentary elections and day 333 of non-stop #GeorgiaProtests
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Sunday marks the 1-year anniversary of the fraudulent 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia.
Despite intimidation and violence from the authoritarian government, peaceful protesters take to the streets every day, demanding democracy & free elections.
europeangreens.eu/news/one-yea...
Despite intimidation and violence from the authoritarian government, peaceful protesters take to the streets every day, demanding democracy & free elections.
europeangreens.eu/news/one-yea...
October 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Sunday marks the 1-year anniversary of the fraudulent 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia.
Despite intimidation and violence from the authoritarian government, peaceful protesters take to the streets every day, demanding democracy & free elections.
europeangreens.eu/news/one-yea...
Despite intimidation and violence from the authoritarian government, peaceful protesters take to the streets every day, demanding democracy & free elections.
europeangreens.eu/news/one-yea...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #𝗪𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮: 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵
📅 31 Oct | 4-6 pm
📍 hbs Berlin
Did the gains of the past 25 years lay a resilient and transformative foundation for #feminist & #gender-transformative approaches in #peacebuilding, foreign, #security & development policy?
📅 31 Oct | 4-6 pm
📍 hbs Berlin
Did the gains of the past 25 years lay a resilient and transformative foundation for #feminist & #gender-transformative approaches in #peacebuilding, foreign, #security & development policy?
🟢 Wir laden ein zu "Frauen, Frieden und Sicherheit neu denken: Feministische Friedensförderung in Zeiten des Backlash" #UNSCR1325 I 📅 Fr, 31.10.2025 I 🕕 16.00 – 18.00 Uhr I 📍 Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin oder im Livestream 🎬 I Infos & Anmeldung ⬇️ calendar.boell.de/de/event/fra...
Frauen, Frieden und Sicherheit neu denken: Feministische Friedensförderung in Zeiten des Backlash 25-jähriges Jubiläum von Resolution 1325 des UN-Sicherheitsrats
Das Jahr 2025 markiert zwei wichtige Meilensteine im globalen Kampf für Geschlechtergerechtigkeit und Frieden: das 25-jährige Jubiläum von Resolution 1325 des UN-Sicherheitsrats (UNSCR 1325) und das...
calendar.boell.de
October 23, 2025 at 10:27 AM
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #𝗪𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮: 𝗙𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵
📅 31 Oct | 4-6 pm
📍 hbs Berlin
Did the gains of the past 25 years lay a resilient and transformative foundation for #feminist & #gender-transformative approaches in #peacebuilding, foreign, #security & development policy?
📅 31 Oct | 4-6 pm
📍 hbs Berlin
Did the gains of the past 25 years lay a resilient and transformative foundation for #feminist & #gender-transformative approaches in #peacebuilding, foreign, #security & development policy?
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Wir gratulieren Mzia #Amaghlobeli herzlich zur Verleihung des Sacharow-Preises! Die von ihr mitgegründeten und geleiteten Online-Zeitungen Batumelebi und Netgazeti gehören zu den wichtigsten unabhängigen Medien Georgiens. 1/4
www.dw.com/de/sacharow-...
www.dw.com/de/sacharow-...
Sacharow-Preis für georgische Journalistin Msia Amaghlobeli – DW – 22.10.2025
Das EU-Parlament hat Msia Amaghlobeli mit dem diesjährigen Sacharow-Preis ausgezeichnet. Die Journalistin hat zu Korruption in Georgien recherchiert und wurde bei den Massenprotesten im vergangenen Wi...
www.dw.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Wir gratulieren Mzia #Amaghlobeli herzlich zur Verleihung des Sacharow-Preises! Die von ihr mitgegründeten und geleiteten Online-Zeitungen Batumelebi und Netgazeti gehören zu den wichtigsten unabhängigen Medien Georgiens. 1/4
www.dw.com/de/sacharow-...
www.dw.com/de/sacharow-...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Seit vielen Monaten hetzt die georgische Führung gegen EU, 🇩🇪 & auch den deutschen Botschafter persönlich. @aussenminister.diplo.de hat daher entschieden, Bo. Fischer zu Konsultationen zurückzurufen, um über das weitere Vorgehen zu beraten. Morgen befasst sich der EU-Außenrat mit #Georgien.
October 19, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Seit vielen Monaten hetzt die georgische Führung gegen EU, 🇩🇪 & auch den deutschen Botschafter persönlich. @aussenminister.diplo.de hat daher entschieden, Bo. Fischer zu Konsultationen zurückzurufen, um über das weitere Vorgehen zu beraten. Morgen befasst sich der EU-Außenrat mit #Georgien.
A very rich study published by our partners from Socioscope on civil society dynamics in #Armenia since Covid-19 and the 2020 Karabakh War, offering excellent recommendations for civil society ahead of Armenia's critical 2026 parliamentary elections.
socioscope.am/wp-content/u...
socioscope.am/wp-content/u...
socioscope.am
October 2, 2025 at 10:05 AM
A very rich study published by our partners from Socioscope on civil society dynamics in #Armenia since Covid-19 and the 2020 Karabakh War, offering excellent recommendations for civil society ahead of Armenia's critical 2026 parliamentary elections.
socioscope.am/wp-content/u...
socioscope.am/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
A letter from Georgia's political prisoner, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
From my prison cell in Georgia, I implore Europe not to abandon us to Russia | Mzia Amaglobeli
My fellow journalists are putting their lives in danger every day, but we refuse to surrender to a regime that threatens Europe’s own security, says imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli
www.theguardian.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:15 AM
A letter from Georgia's political prisoner, journalist Mzia Amaglobeli.
Great start to the @boell.de 25th Annual Foreign Policy Conference. Excellent inputs by Pavlo Klimkin, Olha Aivazovska, Gustavo Westmann, Marvin Jerzewski and others. In the words of @agnieszka-brugger.de: “We need to build alliances with everyone who is not willing to let the bully win.” 💪
September 29, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Great start to the @boell.de 25th Annual Foreign Policy Conference. Excellent inputs by Pavlo Klimkin, Olha Aivazovska, Gustavo Westmann, Marvin Jerzewski and others. In the words of @agnieszka-brugger.de: “We need to build alliances with everyone who is not willing to let the bully win.” 💪
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Just in: German Ambassador Peter Fischer was summoned to Georgia’s MFA, first time in Georgia’s history a German envoy has been called in.
He called the move “a diplomatic sanction,” vowed to reject “baseless, provocative accusations,” and condemned GD’s course against EU membership.
He called the move “a diplomatic sanction,” vowed to reject “baseless, provocative accusations,” and condemned GD’s course against EU membership.
September 24, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Just in: German Ambassador Peter Fischer was summoned to Georgia’s MFA, first time in Georgia’s history a German envoy has been called in.
He called the move “a diplomatic sanction,” vowed to reject “baseless, provocative accusations,” and condemned GD’s course against EU membership.
He called the move “a diplomatic sanction,” vowed to reject “baseless, provocative accusations,” and condemned GD’s course against EU membership.
What does #peace mean to you? What does #freedom mean to you? What does #security mean to you? Join the livestream of our @boell.de Annual Foreign Policy Conference: “Reclaiming Peace? Freedom and Security in a Fragmented World” on 29/09 calendar.boell.de/en/event/25t...
Artist: Gianluca Costantini
Artist: Gianluca Costantini
September 23, 2025 at 8:11 AM
What does #peace mean to you? What does #freedom mean to you? What does #security mean to you? Join the livestream of our @boell.de Annual Foreign Policy Conference: “Reclaiming Peace? Freedom and Security in a Fragmented World” on 29/09 calendar.boell.de/en/event/25t...
Artist: Gianluca Costantini
Artist: Gianluca Costantini
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung #KAS grüßt die ihr nahestehende Partei. Das kann man nicht hoch genug schätzen.
Der Rechtsruck beschäftigt nicht nur Deutschland, in anderen EU-Ländern versuchen sich rechte Parteien in Regierungsverantwortung. Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung hat untersucht, was das für Konservative bedeutet.
CDU – AfD: Studie legt nahe, dass Kooperation mit rechten Parteien nicht helfen
Der Rechtsruck beschäftigt nicht nur Deutschland, in anderen EU-Ländern versuchen sich rechte Parteien in Regierungsverantwortung. Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung hat untersucht, was das für Konservative bedeutet.
www.spiegel.de
September 18, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Die Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung #KAS grüßt die ihr nahestehende Partei. Das kann man nicht hoch genug schätzen.
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
This paper is very good and all the think tankers and foundation people (especially leadership and Comms) should take it to heart. It also makes me feel very tired
Last week @rachelkleinfeld.bsky.social and I put out a provocation & set of suggestions on how influence has changed and why institutions (& funders) need to change their thinking on shaping public opinion and connecting w/audiences. The old way no longer works.
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
carnegieendowment.org/research/202...
For Expertise to Matter, Nonpartisan Institutions Need New Communications Strategies
To avoid irrelevance when they are needed most, experts and nonpartisan analysts must rethink not just their channels of communication but also their theory of influence.
carnegieendowment.org
September 21, 2025 at 12:24 PM
This paper is very good and all the think tankers and foundation people (especially leadership and Comms) should take it to heart. It also makes me feel very tired
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
Letzte Woche haben wir bei Böll Global den Aufstieg der extremen Rechten diskutiert. Das Gespräch kann man sich jetzt auch hier ansehen.
www.youtube.com/live/Gakwgrp...
www.youtube.com/live/Gakwgrp...
Böll.Global | Vom Rand zur Macht - Der Aufstieg der extrem Rechten in Westeuropa und den USA
YouTube video by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
www.youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Letzte Woche haben wir bei Böll Global den Aufstieg der extremen Rechten diskutiert. Das Gespräch kann man sich jetzt auch hier ansehen.
www.youtube.com/live/Gakwgrp...
www.youtube.com/live/Gakwgrp...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos begins her visit to the South Caucasus, heading to Armenia and Azerbaijan but skipping the region's only EU candidate country.
September 17, 2025 at 7:45 AM
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos begins her visit to the South Caucasus, heading to Armenia and Azerbaijan but skipping the region's only EU candidate country.
Neue, bewegende Doku verfügbar auf Arte über #Leihmutterschaft in #Georgien. www.arte.tv/de/videos/11...
Wer mehr wissen möchte: @boell.de / @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social Artikel aus dem Jahr 2022. "Georgien: Hotspot des transnationalen Leihmutterschaftsmarktes" www.gwi-boell.de/de/2022/08/1...
Wer mehr wissen möchte: @boell.de / @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social Artikel aus dem Jahr 2022. "Georgien: Hotspot des transnationalen Leihmutterschaftsmarktes" www.gwi-boell.de/de/2022/08/1...
Mutter unter Vertrag - Die ganze Doku | ARTE
Zhana trägt zum dritten Mal ein Kind für eine fremde Familie aus – als Leihmutter in Georgien. Sie hofft, damit ihrer Tochter Elene ein besseres Leben zu ermöglichen. "Mutter unter Vertrag" erzählt vo...
www.arte.tv
September 14, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Neue, bewegende Doku verfügbar auf Arte über #Leihmutterschaft in #Georgien. www.arte.tv/de/videos/11...
Wer mehr wissen möchte: @boell.de / @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social Artikel aus dem Jahr 2022. "Georgien: Hotspot des transnationalen Leihmutterschaftsmarktes" www.gwi-boell.de/de/2022/08/1...
Wer mehr wissen möchte: @boell.de / @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social Artikel aus dem Jahr 2022. "Georgien: Hotspot des transnationalen Leihmutterschaftsmarktes" www.gwi-boell.de/de/2022/08/1...
"Armenia’s EV surge has become a rare policy success...Yet without long-term solutions on quotas, infrastructure, taxation and recycling, the boom risks running into roadblocks." www.civilnet.am/en/news/9737...
Armenia sees EV boom as state subsidies cut prices by a third - CIVILNET
By Hayk Hovhannisyan Armenia has seen a dramatic transformation of its car market in just five years, as electric vehicles (EVs) move from a curiosity to a mainstream choice on Yerevan’s streets. Once...
www.civilnet.am
September 14, 2025 at 4:53 AM
"Armenia’s EV surge has become a rare policy success...Yet without long-term solutions on quotas, infrastructure, taxation and recycling, the boom risks running into roadblocks." www.civilnet.am/en/news/9737...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
290th day of protest.
"Protect visa free [regime with EU]" - was the main message for today.
More photos: www.instagram.com/p/DOjd0SPjIw...
"Protect visa free [regime with EU]" - was the main message for today.
More photos: www.instagram.com/p/DOjd0SPjIw...
September 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
290th day of protest.
"Protect visa free [regime with EU]" - was the main message for today.
More photos: www.instagram.com/p/DOjd0SPjIw...
"Protect visa free [regime with EU]" - was the main message for today.
More photos: www.instagram.com/p/DOjd0SPjIw...
Reposted by Sonja Schiffers
"Protect visa free" - large crowds marched today in Tbilisi as Georgian Dream's anti-democratic policies threaten losing visa-free travel that Georgians have enjoyed with EU since 2017. Day 290 of #GeorgiaProtests
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
September 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM
"Protect visa free" - large crowds marched today in Tbilisi as Georgian Dream's anti-democratic policies threaten losing visa-free travel that Georgians have enjoyed with EU since 2017. Day 290 of #GeorgiaProtests
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
🎥 Nini Gabritchidze/Civil.ge
Important article by @politico.eu about the dramatic human and environmental costs of #manganese mining in #Georgia.
Good to see it link to a study we @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social supported in 2022. www.politico.eu/article/geor...
Good to see it link to a study we @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social supported in 2022. www.politico.eu/article/geor...
The controversial Georgian mine fueling Europe’s new industrial arms race
A troubled manganese mine in the former Soviet state is exposing the European Union’s double standards on environmental and worker protections.
www.politico.eu
September 11, 2025 at 5:06 AM
Important article by @politico.eu about the dramatic human and environmental costs of #manganese mining in #Georgia.
Good to see it link to a study we @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social supported in 2022. www.politico.eu/article/geor...
Good to see it link to a study we @hbs-south-caucasus.bsky.social supported in 2022. www.politico.eu/article/geor...
Tensions are rising in #Georgia ahead of the local elections, boycotted by most of the opposition parties. The Georgian Dream initially refused to invite the OSCE/ODIHR, only to invite them when it was already too late. There won't be substantial election observation. www.rferl.org/a/georgia-de...
Georgians Keep Up Protest Despite Attacks Against Rally Day Before
Protesters gathered on September 9 in the Georgian capital a day after supporters of the ruling Georgian Dream party attacked protesters participating in ongoing demonstrations over a government decis...
www.rferl.org
September 10, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Tensions are rising in #Georgia ahead of the local elections, boycotted by most of the opposition parties. The Georgian Dream initially refused to invite the OSCE/ODIHR, only to invite them when it was already too late. There won't be substantial election observation. www.rferl.org/a/georgia-de...