Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have applied for EU membership this spring. The European Commission has given the green light to Ukraine and Moldova, but it was decided to postpone Georgia’s candidacy.
Tanja Paananen,
Jutta Mattsson
At least 120,000 Georgians marched on the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, on Monday night to support the country’s application for EU membership. The European Commission on Monday issued a recommendation to suspend Georgia’s candidacy.
Protesters gathered in front of the Georgian parliament, waving flags of Georgia, Ukraine and the EU.
Many held “We are Europe” signs in their hands during the demonstration, and the EU’s official anthem, Ode to Joy, was heard at the event.
The demonstration was the largest in the country for decades. It was organized on the initiative of Georgia’s leading pro-democracy groups with the support of all opposition parties.
“Europe is a historic choice and endeavor for Georgians, to which all generations have made sacrifices,” organizers said on Facebook, according to news agency AFP.
“Rejection would be a green light for Putin”
One of the organizers, an activist Shota Digmelashvili, read aloud a manifesto convening a second demonstration this Friday.
– General anger against the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvilithe speech was announced.
Ivanishvili is the richest man in Georgia who, in his own words, has withdrawn from politics. However, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on the EU to impose sanctions on Ivanishvili. His “destructive role” in Georgian politics and the economy has been cited as grounds for sanctions.
According to the protester interviewed by AFP, the rejection of the EU membership candidacy means that the country will remain under Russian influence.
– Putin interprets that he is being given the green light to take over Georgia, a 68-year-old biologist Lili Nemsadze stated to AFP.
Georgia needs a lot of reform
Georgia’s aspiration is to become a member of both the EU and NATO, which is enshrined in the country’s constitution. Candidacy efforts have long strained Georgia and Russia.
In addition to Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova have applied for EU membership shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February. By Friday, EU leaders are expected to decide whether to grant them candidate status.
The European Commission recommended to the European Council on Friday that it grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. By the end of 2022, the Commission said it would reassess Georgia’s compliance with the candidate country’s conditions.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen clarified on Monday that Georgia needs further reforms before membership can be considered. According to the European Commission, the conditions include the promotion of freedom of the press, electoral reform and the dismantling of oligarchies.