The International Foundation for Better Governance AISBL

The International Foundation for Better Governance welcomes the international attention being paid to the plight of the independent Georgian television station, Rustavi 2. Concern has been mounting that the television station is under pressure from the Georgian government.  Rustavi 2 has long been recognised as a beacon of free speech and pioneering broadcasting in Georgia, with dynamic journalists and innovative formats, such as the political talk show.

For years the independent television Station Rustavi 2 in Georgia has been the beacon for free speech in Georgia. But in alarming new developments it has come under unprecedented attack. The ruling coalition “Georgian Dream” which is manipulated and led from the shadows by the billionaire former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili is trying to crush Rustavi 2 by a two-pronged stealth campaign. There are fears now that the Government may force a change of editorial policy, or even close down the station altogether.

Moscow – July 3, 2014

Open Letter to Polish and Ukrainian Diplomats

My name is Zoia Skoropadenko. I am a UNESCO recognised artist.

I was born in Ukraine, have traveled all around world and lived for the last 15 years (almost half of my life) in the Principality of Monaco.

The government of Monaco has granted me the status of a professional artist of Monaco. While being a long time resident of Principality of Monaco, I am still a proud Ukrainian citizen and passport holder.

By a special correspondent of The European Financial Review

This article first appeared in the European Financial Review April-May edition

Polish tax police operate in a way unknown in other EU member states.

Below, a Special Correspondent argues that the behavior of the tax police does serious damage to Poland by discouraging foreign investors or Polish citizens living elsewhere in Europe or North America who are not confident they will receive fair and proper treatment.

“Treasure your vote – it is a privilege!”
Conference, Monday 3rd March

It is your civic duty to vote in the European Parliament elections! 15% of the Latvian population does not have the right to do so.

Background
With the upcoming European elections in May 2014, the Latvian Non-Citizens Congress (LNCC), with the support of the International Foundation for Better Governance, a Brussels based NGO, is launching a pan-European support campaign aimed to encourage European voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote. The LNCC is a Latvian NGO defending the interests of the 300 000 non-citizens denied an electoral voice in their country and in the European Union.

At the Third meeting of the Latvian Non-Citizens Congress, Jelena Bacinska was elected as Social Ombudsman. Martin Banks writing exclusively for European Business Review reported on the meeting.

James Wilson attended the 3rd Congress of the Latvian Non-Citizens and was interviewed by Baltica.ru on his impressions.