According to a report released by Freedom House, democracy in the region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia deteriorated further in 2022. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine is partly to blame for this decline. Freedom House rates countries based on indicators such as electoral processes and corruption, and the ratings range from “consolidated democracies” to “consolidated authoritarian regimes.”
Russia experienced its largest drop in history, remaining at the lowest end of the range. Hungary also saw a significant decline in its score due to distorted parliamentary elections. Most countries in the region were categorized as “transitional or hybrid regimes,” while eight were considered “consolidated authoritarian regimes.” Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia saw further declines in their already abysmal scores.
However, some positive developments were observed. Seven countries, classified as hybrid regimes or consolidated democracies, showed improvement in their scores. The Baltic states (Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia) received the highest overall scores in the region, with Lithuania’s civil society rating improving for the first time in nearly two decades.
Ukraine and Moldova were highlighted as examples of countries upholding democratic principles. Ukraine, under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, remained committed to democracy despite Russian claims that rights and freedoms threaten stability. Moldova also demonstrated democratic maturity, especially given its proximity to Ukraine and the challenging security environment.
While there were positive trends, the overall decline in democratic governance is concerning. The region has regressed significantly compared to its flourishing democracy two decades ago. It emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to protect and strengthen democratic institutions in the region.