By Plenary Sessions: Eerik-Niiles Kross

The speaker demonstrates deep expertise in Eastern European geopolitics, particularly concerning Georgia-Russia relations and Georgian domestic politics since 2008. Detailed historical examples are utilized (the 2012 visa waiver, the cooling of relations with Ukraine in 2014), and references are made to international expert bodies such as the Venice Commission. Specific emphasis is placed on the similarity between the foreign agents law and the Russian equivalent, and its stated goal of eliminating the "fifth column."

The speaker demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the legislative process (including deadlines and committee decisions) and international law. Particular emphasis is placed on the resolutions of the Venice Commission and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (2519 and 2540), utilizing specific legal terminology such as "legitimate," "de jure," and "de facto." The expertise further encompasses an analysis of the amendments to the Russian constitution, which ultimately rendered the elections illegal.