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Feb 27

ENC in-depth podcast: Understanding Karakalpakstan

By ENC In-Depth, Podcast

ENC in-depth podcast: Understanding Karakalpakstan

The in-depth discussion focuses on the newly published ENC Analysis “Karakalpakstan: Not separatists, but separate” by our Bruce Pannier, ENC External Advisor and Central Asia Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

In this episode, Bruce Pannier discusses Karakalpakstan’s geographic, historical, and political background, its development since the Soviet Union’s collapse, and the practical ways to support regional stability, economic development, and cultural recognition. The conversation also examines the 2022 events and questions surrounding secession.

The discussion was moderated by Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, ENC Managing Director, and features the comments and insights of Bruce Pannier.

Listen here:

Feb 27

ENC Head of Projects & Research Asuman Kubra Bas Speaks on FIMI at the “Beyond the Noise: Media Literacy and Tackling Disinformation” Conference

By Events

ENC Head of Projects & Research Asuman Kubra Bas Speaks on FIMI at the “Beyond the Noise: Media Literacy and Tackling Disinformation” Conference

On February 17, 2026, Asuman Kübra Baş, Head of Projects and Research at the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC), spoke at the Beyond the Noise: Media Literacy and Tackling Disinformation Conference, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye and hosted by Kadir Has University. The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, journalists, and civil society representatives to exchange perspectives on media literacy, disinformation, and the protection of information integrity in the digital age.

During her intervention, she addressed the concept of Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and its relevance in the current geopolitical context. She discussed the characteristics of information manipulation, including the range of actors, tactics, and technological developments associated with these activities, as well as the implications for information integrity and their broader relevance to democratic processes and security.

More information about the conference is available here.

Nov 26

ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye Speaks on “Securing Europe’s Cognitive Frontline: FIMI, Digital Connectivity and EU-Türkiye Relations”

By Events

ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye Speaks on “Securing Europe’s Cognitive Frontline: FIMI, Digital Connectivity and EU-Türkiye Relations” at TÜBA-EMAN Conference on Un/Governance in the Mediterranean Region

On 1–2 November, Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC), participated in the conference “Un/Governance in the Mediterranean Region and the Global System” organized by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) and the Euro-Mediterranean Academic Network (EMAN).

Hosted by Istanbul Nisantasi University, the event brought together academics, policymakers, and the public to discuss contemporary challenges in governance and ungovernance in the Mediterranean region and the global system. Themes covered included governance in health, human security, energy supply security, human rights, sustainability, and cultural interaction. Mr. Doveri Vesterbye delivered a presentation titled “Securing Europe’s Cognitive Frontline: Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, Digital Connectivity and EU-Türkiye Relations,” sharing ENC’s findings about FIMI, connectivity, and regional cooperation.

Nov 13

ENC Analysis – Words and Wires: Understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and Its Significance for the EU and Türkiye

By Publications, Research

ENC Analysis

Words and Wires: Understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and Why It Matters for the EU and Türkiye

 

The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) has released its new analysis titled “Words and Wires: Understanding Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and Its Significance for the EU and Türkiye”

The article is authored by Asuman Kubra Bas, Head of Projects and Research at ENC.

This paper examines Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) as a growing hybrid challenge for the European Union and its partners, including Türkiye. Drawing on the EEAS FIMI Threat Reports, open-source investigations, and new data on coordinated online behaviour, it looks at how such incidents unfold across Europe, the tactics used to carry them out, and their wider impact on both the EU and Türkiye. The paper ends with recommendations for building resilience through early coordination, behavioural monitoring, and closer cross-border cooperation within the new European Democracy Shield framework.

The full paper is available here.

Oct 29

ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye Speaks at EUI Round Table on Critical Infrastructure in the Black Sea During Wartime

By Events

ENC Director Samuel Doveri Vesterbye Speaks at EUI Round Table on Critical Infrastructure in the Black Sea During Wartime

On 7 October, Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, Managing Director of the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC), took part in a round table discussion titled “Critical Infrastructure in the Black Sea During a Time of War: Resilience and Adaptation.” The event was hosted by the School of Transnational Governance (STG) at the European University Institute.

The discussion focused on the resilience, reconstruction, and regional connectivity of critical infrastructure in Ukraine and the wider Black Sea region amid ongoing conflict.

Participants included Denis Cenusa and Michael Guterbock (both Visiting Fellows at STG) alongside Samuel Doveri Vesterbye. Together, they examined how infrastructure systems, from energy grids and transport networks to healthcare facilities, operate under extreme stress and adapt in times of war.

The session opened with remarks by Professor Trine Flockhart, who introduced the concept of a “Multi-Order World.” Denis Cenușa discussed the performative role of critical infrastructure during wartime, illustrating how Ukraine’s transport, energy, and social systems have become both strategic targets and symbols of national resilience. He introduced the concept of “re-securitisation”, where the protection of infrastructure becomes central to state survival and national identity.

Michael Guterbock provided an in-depth overview of Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure across the frontline, describing how hospitals and clinics are continuously rebuilt, repurposed, and safeguarded despite ongoing bombardment. He emphasised that restoring healthcare capacity is vital for reconstruction and for enabling the safe return of displaced civilians.

Samuel Doveri Vesterbye expanded the discussion to the regional dimension, analysing the complexity of Black Sea infrastructure and its links to emerging trans-Eurasian trade and energy corridors. He underscored how Ukraine’s recovery is tied to these evolving routes, which are reshaping connectivity between Europe, Central Asia, Turkey and the South Caucasus.

The round table highlighted how critical infrastructure serves not only as a functional backbone in times of crisis but also as a performative and transformative force in shaping resilience, identity, and future regional integration.

Sep 30

ENC Analysis – Karakalpakstan: Not separatists, but separate

By Publications, Research

ENC Analysis – Karakalpakstan: Not separatists, but separate

The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) has released its new analysis on titled”Karakalpakstan: Karakalpakstan: Not separatists, but separate“

The article is authored by Bruce Pannier, a longtime journalist, ENC External Advisor, and Central Asia Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Research Fellow at the Turan Research Center, and Fellow at the Delphi Global Research Center.

Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, faces profound challenges,  from the ecological collapse of the Aral Sea and severe public health impacts to political unrest and questions over cultural identity. In this ENC analysis, Bruce Pannier explores the region’s complex history, the events surrounding the July 2022 protests, ongoing development efforts, and the prospects for the Karakalpak people.

The full paper is available here.

Jul 18

ENC in-depth podcast : France, Its Nuclear Deterrence, and Europe: A discussion with Dr. Florian Galleri

By ENC In-Depth, Podcast

France, Its Nuclear Deterrence, and Europe: A discussion with Dr. Florian Galleri

The in-depth discussion focuses on the newly published ENC Analysis “France, Its Nuclear Deterrence, and Europe: How to Help It Take the Leap” by our Academic Council Member Dr. Florian Galleri.

In his article Dr. Florian Galleri explores the tensions between France’s nuclear independence and European solidarity, the skepticism surrounding nuclear deterrence in Europe, and the potential pathways for integrating France’s nuclear capabilities into a European security framework.

This discussion was moderated by Samuel Doveri Vesterbye, ENC Managing Director, and features the comments and insights of Dr. Florian Galleri ENC Academic Council Member and doctor at the University of Nantes.

Listen here:

Jul 07

ENC and BHRTR Launch ‘TR Compass’ CSO Engagement Hub Following Conclusion of Phase II of Business and Human Rights Project

By Events, Projects

ENC and BHRTR Launch ‘TR Compass’ CSO Engagement Hub Following Conclusion of Phase II of Business and Human Rights Project

The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) and the Business and Human Rights Association (BHRTR) have officially concluded the second phase of the “Strengthening Business and Human Rights Awareness and Capacity Building of Civil Society Actors – Phase II” project. As part of this phase, seven dialogue events were organized with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). These events took place in İstanbul, Bursa, Adana, and Gaziantep, offering vital spaces for dialogue, capacity building, and engagement on the topic of business and human rights.

In addition to the dialogue events, the project featured a Closing Event held in İstanbul on 28 April 2025. The Closing Event served both as a showcase of the project’s achievements and as the official launch of TR Compass—a collaborative platform designed to strengthen civil society engagement in the field of business and human rights. A curated digital library of key resources is housed within the TR Compass website.

TR Compass is a voluntary and open network that brings together civil society organizations, trade unions, academics, and individual activists who are committed to promoting responsible business practices and protecting human rights in supply chains. Rather than functioning as a formal alliance, it serves as an open space for connection, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support—particularly in the context of legislation such as the German Supply Chain Act (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Civil society organizations and individuals are invited to register through the CSO Engagement Hub to join the network, access resources, and stay informed about future opportunities and initiatives. Participation is entirely voluntary, with no membership fees or legal obligations—just a shared commitment to collaborative learning and action. Learn more about TR Compass here.

This phase of the project has contributed to strengthening the awareness, capacity, and coordination of civil society actors on business and human rights in Türkiye. The tools, networks, and platforms developed—particularly through the establishment of TR Compass—will support the continuity of dialogue and collaboration beyond the project timeline.

We extend our sincere thanks to all stakeholders and participants who contributed to this project.

Contact and Further Information

For more information about TR Compass:
https://trcompass.com.tr/en/

European Neighbourhood Council (ENC):
Website: http://encouncil.org/
Email: media@encouncil.org

Business and Human Rights Association (BHRTR):
Website: https://bhrtr.org/en/
Email: contact@bhrtr.orgcontact@bhrtr.org

ENC ve BHRTR, İş Dünyası ve İnsan Hakları Projesi’nin II. Fazını Tamamlayarak TR Compass STK İşbirliği Ağını Hayata Geçirdi

The European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) ve İş Dünyası ve İnsan Hakları Derneği (BHRTR), “Sivil Toplum Aktörlerinin İş Dünyası ve İnsan Hakları Alanındaki Farkındalığını ve Kapasitesini Güçlendirme Projesi’nin II. fazını başarıyla tamamladı. Almanya Dışişleri Bakanlığı ve Almanya İstanbul Başkonsolosluğu’nun desteğiyle yürütülen proje kapsamında, sivil toplum kuruluşları ve sendikaların katılımıyla bir web semineri de dahil olmak üzere yedi diyalog etkinliği düzenlendi. Bu etkinliklerde iş dünyası ve insan hakları konularında paydaş istişareleri gerçekleştirildi.

Proje süresince ayrıca, “TR Compass” Sivil Toplum Ağı’nın resmi tanıtımının yapıldığı bir kapanış etkinliği de İstanbul’da hayata geçirildi.

TR Compass, Türkiye’de iş dünyası ve insan hakları alanında çalışan sivil toplum kuruluşları, sendikalar ve akademisyenleri bir araya getirmeyi amaçlayan gönüllü ve esnek bir ağ olarak kuruldu. Ağ, özellikle Alman Tedarik Zinciri Yasası (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG) ve Avrupa Birliği Kurumsal Sürdürülebilirlik Durum Tespiti Direktifi (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive – CSDDD) gibi güncel düzenlemeler çerçevesinde, ortak öğrenme ve dayanışmayı teşvik etmeyi hedefliyor.

TR Compass’ın internet sitesi üzerinden, ilgilenen paydaşlar form doldurarak ağa katılabiliyor. Site, aynı zamanda temel insan hakları belgelerini içeren dijital bir kütüphane, proje çıktıları ve etkinlik haberleri gibi çeşitli kaynaklara erişim imkânı sunuyor. Ağa katılım tamamen gönüllülük esasına dayalı olup herhangi bir üyelik ücreti ya da hukuki yükümlülük içermiyor.

Türkiye’de iş dünyası ve insan hakları alanında faaliyet gösteren sivil toplum aktörlerinin farkındalığını artırmayı, kapasitelerini geliştirmeyi ve aralarındaki işbirliğini güçlendirmeyi hedefleyen proje kapsamında geliştirilen araçların ve platformların, proje sonrasında da diyaloğu ve ortak çalışmaları sürdürülebilir kılmasını umuyoruz.

Projenin bu sürecine katkı sunan tüm paydaşlara içten teşekkürlerimizi sunarız.

TR Compass hakkında daha fazla bilgi için:
https://trcompass.com.tr/

European Neighbourhood Council (ENC):
Web: http://encouncil.org/
E-posta: media@encouncil.org

İş Dünyası ve İnsan Hakları Derneği (BHRTR):
Web: https://bhrtr.org/tr/
E-posta: contact@bhrtr.org

 

May 28

Understanding and Countering Information Manipulation in Central Asia: New Research Highlights FIMI Trends in Kyrgyzstan

By Projects, Research

Understanding and Countering Information Manipulation in Central Asia: New Research Highlights FIMI Trends in Kyrgyzstan

On 21 May 2025, the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) and Internews Europe unveiled the preliminary findings of the pilot study “Tracking Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Online: Findings from Kyrgyzstan”, funded by the European Union through the “Cultivating Audience Resilience Through Amplification of Vibrant and Authentic Narratives” (CARAVAN) project.

The study, a collaboration between the European Neighbourhood Council, Pikasa Analytics, and Internews Europe, represents a pioneering effort to analyse the evolving FIMI landscape in Kyrgyzstan through a mixed-methods approach that combines supervised Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and qualitative verification.

Meera Selva, CEO of Internews Europe, said: “This research shows the importance of independent, cross-border and collaborative journalism that focuses on local communities. This kind of journalism delivers high-quality, trusted and relevant information that citizens need to make informed decisions about their lives and provides the best antidote to misinformation and manipulation.”

The rapid growth of digital media has opened new avenues for Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) to influence public opinion across the globe. Central Asia has not been immune to the global rise of information manipulation. Recent studies have documented the likely presence of FIMI across the region, often aligning with the geopolitical interests of foreign actors such as Russia and China. The scale and impact of disinformation activity have been particularly exposed during major global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These developments highlight the urgent need for targeted, context-specific research into how foreign information manipulation unfolds across Central Asia’s media environment.

This report presents findings from the first phase of pilot research, focused specifically on Kyrgyzstan. The findings offer a preliminary, yet detailed, portrait of Kyrgyzstan’s evolving FIMI landscape and provide insights aimed at improving methodology on FIMI and supporting policymakers, media professionals, and civil society actors working to strengthen societal resilience against foreign information manipulation and disinformation.

Beyond diagnosis, the research proposes concrete recommendations for national and international actors. These include strengthening digital literacy initiatives, supporting pluralistic and explanatory journalism, developing AI-based monitoring tools tailored to local languages, and fostering transparent media regulation that upholds freedom of expression.

Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments, said: “While FIMI is a global horizontal threat, it often needs to be addressed with very targeted and context-specific responses, such as through the EU-funded CARAVAN project, which this research is part of.”

This work forms part of the broader CARAVAN initiative, funded by the European Union, and which is committed to strengthening information resilience across Central Asia.

The executive summary is available here.

May 24

ENC Analysis – Central Asia is Rising: Regional Integration, Border Resolution, and Strategic Autonomy

By Publications, Research

Central Asia is Rising: Regional Integration, Border Resolution, and Strategic Autonomy

The European Neighborhood Council (ENC) released a new analysis on “Regional Integration, Border Resolution, and Strategic Autonomy.”

The article is written by Nazerke Mukhamediya, ENC Research and Communications Assistant and Independent Researcher and Dr. Aijan Sharshenova, ENC Academic Council Member and the Executive Director at Crossroads Central Asia.

Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, Central Asia grappled with building statehood amid unresolved borders and weak infrastructure, hindering regional integration for decades. Today, however, the region shows renewed momentum for cooperation around shared goals like connectivity, water management, and global engagement. This ENC analysis examines recent milestones—including border agreements and regional forums like the C5+1—highlighting the potential for a new era of regionalism. Despite persistent challenges, the authors argue that deeper cooperation is key to Central Asia’s stability, prosperity, and growing role in the international arena.

The full analysis is available here.

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