Georgia's European dream left in limbo

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Two years ago in Georgia, tens of thousands of pro-European protesters rallied against the disputed results of the October 2024 parliamentary election, which was officially won by the ruling Georgian Dream party. A few weeks later, the authorities announced the suspension of the country's European Union accession process. Despite an ongoing crackdown, smaller-scale protests continue every day in the capital Tbilisi.

But although protests continue daily in Georgia, they have lost momentum. Dissenting voices are regularly suppressed, and opposition figures are being jailed.

The government adopted a stricter version of a controversial "foreign agents" law in 2025, claiming it would strengthen national sovereignty and ensure transparency among NGOs. Modelled on Russian legislation, the law severely restricts access to international funding and gives the authorities greater control over civil society.

Yet even as Tbilisi grows increasingly hostile towards Brussels, much of the population still hopes to one day revive its European dream. More than 70 percent of Georgians want to join the EU, according to the latest opinion polls.

FRANCE 24's Maria Gerth-Niculescu and Bastien Renouil report.