Georgia’s tense road to the EU – the role of Natolin Fellow Ketevan Kukava on the European path
In recent years, Georgia has found itself at a turning point in its journey toward the European Union. Although the country was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, its path has been affected by internal tensions and controversial political decisions. One of the most widely criticised measures was the adoption of the so-called ‘foreign influence transparency’ law – an initiative that raised serious concerns in Brussels and triggered massive protests. Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets to defend European values and democracy, a powerful demonstration of civil society’s commitment to the country’s European future.
In this complex and tense context, the voices of the younger generation are more important than ever. One such voice is that of Ketevan Kukava, a fellow of the Natolin Fellowship Programme, whose academic work explores how secret surveillance legislation in Georgia aligns with EU fundamental values such as democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Through her research and civic engagement, she contributes actively to the debate on Georgia’s European future.
“I applied to the Natolin Fellowship Programme because I am particularly interested in European integration and the core values on which the EU is founded. I was motivated by the desire to deepen my understanding of European affairs, strengthen my practical skills, and broaden my knowledge. This programme stood out as an exceptional opportunity not only to expand my academic and professional horizons but also to connect with a network of like-minded individuals committed to building a better future for their countries,” says Ketevan.
The College of Europe in Natolin – a launchpad for future leaders
The Natolin Fellowship Programme – part of a collaboration between the College of Europe in Natolin and the EU4Youth Programme – offers a unique academic environment for the in-depth exploration of the European integration process through a multidisciplinary and contextual approach. With a strong focus on the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Union, the programme brings together young people from across Europe and EU partner countries. This creates a community dedicated to building a stable, democratic, and European future.
The programme helped Ketevan deepen her understanding of EU integration and regional cooperation. Working in a regional group with fellows from Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova enriched her insights into European integration processes within the specific context of the Eastern Neighbourhood. Discussions with her peers helped her better understand the EU’s current challenges and the region’s political, social, and institutional complexities.
For fellows like Ketevan Kukava, this programme served both as an academic and professional springboard and as a space for authentic dialogue among young people who share common values and diverse experiences. They are united in their search for real solutions to the challenges facing their countries.
“Currently I am a PhD researcher at University College Dublin. The Natolin Fellowship Programme influenced my professional direction by deepening my understanding of EU integration with significant legal, institutional, and societal implications. It also helped me go beyond institutional frameworks to focus on how integration affects people’s daily lives,” Ketevan emphasised.
Research anchored in geopolitical realities
During the Natolin Fellowship Programme, Ketevan Kukava had the opportunity to direct her academic focus to one of today’s most pressing topics: the relationship between the state, its citizens, and European fundamental values. Her research examined Georgia’s legal framework on secret surveillance, assessing its implications for privacy, accountability, and institutional transparency. By applying a critical lens to how surveillance practices operate in a democratic society, she identified both meaningful reforms and persistent shortcomings – offering an insight into the broader challenges of aligning national security measures with the expectations of a European future.
“In the era when ‘lives are increasingly lived online’ the significance of privacy and data protection has amplified, necessitating robust safeguards and efficient oversight systems,” she stressed.
Using a critical and rigorous approach, she investigated the extent to which Georgian surveillance legislation complies with European standards on fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law. She highlighted the progress that has been made, as well as the shortcomings that threaten individual freedoms.
“I critically examined covert surveillance in Georgia through the lens of EU values – democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights, and identified significant gaps and shortcomings, which endanger human rights and vital values of a democratic society. I chose this topic because surveillance is one of the most pressing issues in today’s world. The development of digital technologies has enabled law enforcement and security services to collect personal data on an unprecedented scale,” the young woman said.
Ketevan analysed secret surveillance practices based on their potential impact on democracy. She started from the premise that unchecked surveillance can have far-reaching implications that extend beyond privacy and data protection violations. She advocates for substantial reforms and robust oversight systems to safeguard European values and advance Georgia’s EU integration.
From research to action: RIGHTS-TO-UNITE and an academic career
This experience significantly expanded her knowledge base and strengthened her confidence in pursuing an academic career at University College Dublin, a top-ranked global institution.
“I strengthened my overall research skills and enhanced my understanding of academic outreach strategies. This work aligns closely with my long-term career aspirations, as I intend to continue focusing on digital rights in the future,” says Ketevan.
Ketevan Kukava joined the RIGHTS-TO-UNITE project after completing a practical component at University College Dublin as a doctoral researcher. The initiative examines how citizens can use substantive rights derived from the EU and explores three fields of integration: economic, social, and digital rights.
“For the next four years, I will continue my academic journey as part of the RIGHTS-TO-UNITE project at University College Dublin, focusing on how EU-derived rights are practically used by citizens. In addition, I will remain open to providing consultancy on European data protection law, and to delivering lectures and trainings on EU integration and digital rights,” she said.
With the support of the EU4Youth scholarship, Ketevan also held a seminar at the Research Group on Law, Science, Technology & Society (LSTS) in Brussels. There, she presented her scientific research and engaged in discussions with privacy and data protection experts.
“I participated in the International Scientific Jean Monnet Conference 2024: Building a Sustainable EU Society for the Future as part of the EUsolis Jean Monnet project, in Zagreb. There, I presented my abstract titled ‘Personal Data Processing for Law Enforcement and National Security Purposes: The European Approach’. Both opportunities expanded my professional network and deepened my engagement with the European academic community,” Ketevan noted.
Through her research, her involvement in international academic networks, and her dedication to fundamental rights, Ketevan is actively contributing to strengthening the link between Georgia and the European Union. Her journey stands as proof that high-quality education, supported by European initiatives such as the Natolin Fellowship Programme, has the power to shape leaders who build bridges between people, institutions, and the future.
The EU4Youth Phase III: Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in the Eastern Partnership countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle youth unemployment and improve employability.
The Natolin Fellowship Programme is funded by the EU and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania as part of and in the framework of the project EU4YOUTH – Phase III Youth Employment, and Entrepreneurship programme Scholarship Scheme for Eastern Partners at the College of Europe in Natolin (“EU4Youth-Natolin4EaP”).
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