New Eastern Europe Magazine

More than three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the countries of Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus continue to face the legacy of authoritarianism and fragile democratic institutions. In this context, civil society has emerged as a space where citizens negotiate power, demand accountability, and strive to shape their collective futures.
This issue brings together critical reflections on the current state of civil society and the NGO sector in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and Serbia. While each country follows its own political trajectory, the authors highlight a shared concern: democratic backsliding, repression of civic actors, and dependence on external funding. Yet, they also reveal stories of resilience, dignity, and transformative civic engagement that continue to shape the democratic aspirations of these societies.
One of the most urgent concerns is the financial vulnerability of civil society organisations. The recent cut in USAID support has intensified fears about long-term sustainability and autonomy. However, funding is only one facet of a broader struggle. Weak institutional frameworks, limited political commitment to democratic norms, and mounting external pressures, particularly from authoritarian neighbors, further constrain the ability of civil society to fulfill its watchdog role.
Beyond that, this issue closes with a special section dedicated to NATO after this past summer’s summit in The Hague. Our authors highlight the real security challenges the region faces and what it will take to overcome them.