Energy, Russian Influence, and Democratic Backsliding in Central and Eastern Europe

(Hungary)
            Ana Otilia Nuțu, Expert Forum (Romania)
            Corina Rebegea, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
            Margarita Assenova, Jamestown Foundation
   Moderated by Laura Ștefan, Expert Forum (Romania)
1:15pm:  Q&A
2:00pm: Coffee break
2:15pm: Panel discussion- Assessing Russia’s influence on the Ukrainian, Moldovan and Belarussian energy sectors
   Denys Nazarenko, Dixi Group (Ukraine)
   Alexei Pikulik, Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies (Belarus) 
   Denis Cenusa, Expert Group (Moldova)           
   Sorin Ioniță, Expert Forum (Romania)
   Ilya Zaslavskiy, Chatham House
   Moderated by Peter Doran, CEPA
3:00pm: Q&A

________

The democratic transitions in Central and Eastern Europe are facing significant challenges. Across the region, Russia is expanding its economic and political influence and using it to undermine democratic standards and values. Utilizing its strong position as a dominant energy supplier to the EU and former Soviet republics, Russia is employing economic incentives and punishment to undermine democratic transitions, counter European integration, and erode commitments to EU policies.

Working with prominent think tanks from Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, and Hungary, the Romania-based Expert Forum is conducting research to better understand and spotlight Russia’s negative influence on the energy sector. The Expert Forum and its partners will present and discuss this project’s findings and offer policy recommendations to mitigate Russia’s impact.