Georgia‘s EU Aspirations Fueled by Protests Amid Rising Tensions with Russia
Tbilisi, Georgia vibrates with a palpable sense of unrest. Tens of thousands of people have marched through the capital, unwavering in their calls for Georgia to join the European Union. This surge in pro-EU sentiment follows a contentious decision by the Georgian government to suspend its pursuit of membership, a move met with swift condemnation by the European Parliament.
A Crossroads of Cultures Caught in a Geopolitical Standoff
Nestled amidst the Caucasus Mountains, Georgia has long been a crossroads of cultures, blending Slavic, Turkish, and Persian influences. Today, the small nation finds itself at the center of a high-stakes geopolitical tug-of-war. On one side is Russia, wielding its considerable influence under the leadership of authoritarian President Vladimir Putin. On the other, stand the democratically driven nations of the European Union and the West, beckoning Georgia towards closer ideals of freedom and prosperity.
The EU Dream vs. Reality: A Nation Divided
What’s Driving the Protests?
The official results of Georgia’s October 26th parliamentary election declared victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidina Ivanishvili, who amassed his fortune in Russia. However, numerous polls paint a different picture: a majority of Georgians yearn for their nation to become part of the European Union.
This longing for EU membership has ignited historic protests. After four nights of demonstrations in Tbilisi, over 200 people have been arrested, and tens of thousands more have converged in front of parliament. President Salome Zurabichvili, whose role is largely ceremonial, has publicly denounced what she describes as the ruling party’s crackdown on free speech, noting that many of the arrested protesters sustained injuries to their heads and faces.
A Mirror to Ukraine’s Struggle
Some observers draw parallels between the current protests in Georgia and those that rocked Ukraine earlier this century, when Kyiv attempted to align itself more closely with the West. Those events ultimately led to a violent revolution and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
The Georgian government’s decision to halt its EU accession process came after the European Parliament passed a resolution deeming the October 26th elections neither free nor fair. Dmitry Peskov, Spokesperson for President Putin, stated that Moscow views the situation in Georgia through the lens of the 2013-2014 Ukrainian crisis when a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv abandoned an EU association agreement and fled the country.
A Delicate Balancing Act: Seeking NATO Membership Amid Russian Opposition
Similar to Ukraine, Georgia aspires to join NATO, a move vehemently opposed by Russia, which views the alliance’s eastward expansion as a direct threat to its sphere of influence in the former Soviet Union. Russia shares a long border with Georgia, and while it borders NATO member Türkiye, it lacks any direct connection with any EU countries.
A bitter experience lingers from August 2008 when a brief but bloody war erupted between Russia and Georgia. Tbilisi made a failed bid to regain control over its breakaway region of South Ossetia, which Moscow subsequently recognized as independent, along with another defiant province, Abkhazia. Russian military bases were established in both territories.
The West Wages Diplomatic Pressure
Increasing International Scrutiny
In response to the Georgian government’s decision to halt its EU accession path, the U.S. State Department announced the suspension of strategic ties with the country. Simultaneously, it condemned Georgia’s move, emphasizing its commitment to supporting democratic aspirations within the nation.
Last December, the EU bestowed upon Georgia candidate country status, contingent on meeting strict entry requirements. However, this spring, concerns arose regarding a controversial “foreign influence” law passed by the Georgian parliament, widely perceived as undermining democratic freedoms. As a consequence, the EU suspended Georgia’s accession process and froze financial support.
How does the current situation in Georgia compare to the events in Ukraine leading up to 2014?
## Georgia’s Torn Future: An Interview with Dr. Elena Petrova
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Elena Petrova, a leading expert on Georgian politics and a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation. Dr. Petrova, thank you for discussing this critical situation unfolding in Georgia.
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Georgia has been rocked by massive pro-EU protests following the government’s decision to put its EU accession talks on hold until 2028. Can you shed some light on what’s driving these protests?
**Dr. Petrova:** There are several key factors at play. For many Georgians, joining the European Union represents a path towards greater freedom, prosperity, and democratic values. The country has a long history of striving for closer ties with Europe, and the recent acquisition of EU candidate status in December 2023 fueled this aspiration.
However, the Georgian Dream party’s recent actions, including restrictive laws targeting “foreign agents” and LGBTQ+ rights [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/28/georgia-to-suspend-eu-accession-talks-until-2028)], have deeply alienated many citizens. The European Parliament’s criticism of the October elections as neither free nor fair further eroded trust in the government.
**Host:** You mentioned democratic values. Many analysts are drawing comparisons between the current situation in Georgia and the events in Ukraine leading up to 2014. Is that a valid connection?
**Dr. Petrova:** There are certainly parallels. Georgia, like Ukraine, finds itself caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia and the West. Russia, under Putin’s leadership, views any westward lean by Georgia as a threat to its influence in the region. This creates a very tense and precarious situation for Georgia, which must carefully navigate these competing pressures.
**Host:** Georgia’s leader, President Zurabichvili, has openly criticized the government’s handling of the protests, calling their response a crackdown on free speech. How significant is her stance?
**Dr. Petrova:** President Zurabichvili’s actions are significant because they highlight the deep divisions within the Georgian political landscape. Despite holding a largely ceremonial role, she represents a voice of opposition against the ruling party’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
**Host:** What do you see as the potential outcomes of this situation?
**Dr. Petrova:** It’s incredibly difficult to predict with certainty. The Georgian government faces a critical juncture. Continuing down the current path risks further isolating Georgia from the West and potentially igniting even stronger protests. Alternatively, they could choose to engage
in meaningful dialog with the protestors, address the concerns about democratic backsliding, and recommit to the path of EU integration. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining Georgia’s future direction.
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us today.
