Georgia, a former Soviet republic located in the South Caucasus with an estimated population of 3.7 million, has experienced one of its deadliest protests in recent years, spurred by the Georgian Dream party’s delay in advancing the country’s European Union membership bid. For years, the people of Georgia have aspired to join the EU, seeing it as a pathway to greater prosperity and integration into the European community. However, these dreams have been dampened by political setbacks, most notably the current government’s hesitation to pursue membership with the urgency many citizens’ demands.
A Dream Deferred: Georgia’s EU Aspirations
Since 2008, Georgia has dreamed of becoming a member of the European Union. Yet, this dream remains out of reach, with no clear timeline for membership, and expectations for the country’s EU accession continuously delayed. Originally, there was optimism that Georgia could join by the late 2020s. However, as 2028 draws nearer, it is clear that EU membership is far from imminent, leading to widespread frustration among Georgians. The EU itself has also been slow to extend membership, making Georgia’s path to accession more complicated.
There are nine nations—vying for membership of the European Union: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The competition for EU membership is fierce, and the accession process is notoriously complex. Countries must meet strict criteria in areas such as democracy, the rule of law, and market economy reforms, a process that often takes decades, to complete.
The Controversial Georgian Foreign Agent Law
A major obstacle on Georgia’s path to EU membership has been the controversial Georgian Foreign Agent Law. Passed in 2023, the law drew immediate criticism both within Georgia and abroad, with many accusing the government of curbing democratic freedoms. Modeled after Russia’s own “foreign agent” legislation, the law requires NGOs, media outlets, and other organizations that receive foreign funding to register as foreign agents or face heavy penalties. Critics argue that the law is a tool to silence dissent and clamp down on political opposition, mirroring the repressive tactics employed by Moscow.
The law has sparked protests across Georgia, leading to violent clashes between demonstrators and the police. The Georgian Dream party’s support for the law has alienated many citizens, particularly the youth, who see it as a betrayal of Georgia’s European aspirations. Many argue that the law is a clear signal that the government is more aligned with Russia than the West, leading to fears that Georgia’s democratic development is being compromised.
Georgia’s Strained Position Between Moscow and Brussels
Georgia’s aspiration to join the EU is complicated by its geographical and historical proximity to Russia. The country shares a long border with Russia, and its aspirations to align with Europe have long been seen as a threat by Moscow. Russia has consistently worked to prevent its neighbors from integrating into Western institutions, viewing such moves as a challenge to its sphere of influence.
The tension between Moscow and Brussels is particularly pronounced in Georgia, where the desire for European integration often conflicts with the reality of Russian opposition.
In this context, Georgia’s EU membership bid is not merely about economic and political reforms; it is also a matter of national security. The ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia’s aggression toward NATO’s eastern expansion have only heightened these concerns.
For Georgia, aligning with the EU means embracing Western values of democracy and human rights, but this vision is continually challenged by Russia’s geopolitical influence. This delicate balancing act between Moscow and Brussels has turned Georgia’s road to EU membership into a rocky and uncertain journey.
EU: Struggling for the Dream
Much of Georgia’s pro-European sentiment comes from its younger population, who see the EU as a model for political stability, prosperity, and modern governance. These young people are particularly frustrated by the delays in the EU accession process and the political hurdles they face. They were inspired by the European model of governance, which emphasizes individual rights, democratic institutions, and economic opportunity. However, many now feel that their dreams of a better future are being held hostage by political leaders who are more focused on their own power than the country’s long-term development.
The EU’s Complex Enlargement Process
The EU’s enlargement process is never easy, and for countries in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, it is particularly fraught with difficulty. The EU has historically been reluctant to admit countries from its neighborhood, particularly those with contested borders or unstable political systems. The current conflict in Ukraine has only made the EU more cautious in its approach to new membership, as it grapples with the security implications of adding new members while also responding to Russia’s growing concerns.
The geopolitical implications of Georgia’s EU accession are immense. Membership would not only strengthen the EU’s influence in the region but would also serve as a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to maintain control over its former Soviet neighbors. However, the EU has its own set of challenges and must carefully consider the strategic, political, and economic costs of expansion.
A Long Road Ahead
Georgia’s dream of joining the European Union is far from over, but it faces significant obstacles. The country’s internal political divisions, exemplified by the controversial Foreign Agent Law and the current government’s ambivalence toward EU membership, are major barriers to progress. Furthermore, the geopolitical tension between Russia and the West complicates the process, making Georgia’s path to the EU uncertain.
For many Georgians, the EU remains a symbol of hope and prosperity, but achieving this dream will require overcoming both internal political challenges and external geopolitical pressures. Only time will tell whether Georgia will be able to cross these rocky waters and ultimately fulfill its European aspirations.
