Annotated Bibliography of Reports on Anti-EU Rhetoric in Georgia
Useful overview if you want to understand the anti-EU playbook
This annotated bibliography was put together by Luka Chitiani and Olgica Osmajic in the context of wider background research on how the EU can communicate in Georgia. It presents a useful summary of existing research. The credit goes all to Luka and Olga, I enjoyed (briefly) working with them on this – and to the authors of these reports, many of which are illuminating.
You may find this useful for your reference.
The Politics of Euroscepticism in Georgia and Its Resonance in Society - GIP (Minesashvili, Gozalishvili, March 2025)
This policy memo analyzes Euroscepticism among the political class in Georgia and its resonance in Georgian society. To this end, the memo maps five key EU-critical narratives disseminated by Georgian political parties since 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine: 1) The EU/West wants to drag Georgia into war with Russia; 2) The EU/West undermines Georgia`s sovereignty; 3) The EU/West uses agents to meddle in Georgia’s internal affairs; 4) The EU allegedly threatens Georgian identity; 5) The EU cannot ensure Georgia`s economic prosperity. It also uses public opinion polls to understand the extent to which these political discourses resonate with the Georgian public. The piece suggests that such messages have found a receptive audience among rural and older segments of Georgian society. Furthermore, a significant overlap between those who express some criticism of the EU while still supporting membership indicates that concerns regarding certain EU policies, such as perceived threats to Georgian traditions, do not preclude a desire for closer relations with the EU.
Russian Information Operation in Georgia Supporting the Ruling Party and Discrediting the EU - ISFED (N/A, May 2024)
This report concerns Russia’s hybrid activities aiming to undermine the EU’s support among the Georgian population. Monitoring efforts have revealed that Georgia has increasingly become a target of Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, characterized by the dissemination of anti-Western, particularly anti-EU, narratives. This phenomenon has become particularly pronounced as Georgia has moved closer to the EU, prompting heightened efforts in hybrid influence operations. One prominent technique of Russia’s information warfare is the intensive dissemination of propagandistic advertisement campaigns on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, a tactic that has notably intensified since April 2022. Initially targeting users of Meta platforms in the South Caucasus, these sponsored campaigns became increasingly active in Georgia, particularly leading up to and following Georgia’s reception of candidate country status for EU membership. Even after this milestone, these tactics have persisted, despite various attempts to alter the network's composition and the strategies employed by those controlling it remaining unchanged.
Twists and turns: Georgian Dream rhetoric on the EU - EUvsDisinfo (N/A, October 2024)
The report provides a timeline of the European Union’s Discreditation by the Georgian Dream. The report concludes that the Georgian Dream (GD) party has increasingly employed anti-Western and conspiratorial rhetoric, undermining Georgia’s EU integration while publicly claiming support for it. Despite Georgia receiving EU candidate status in December 2023, GD continues to frame Western partners, particularly the EU and the US, as threats to national sovereignty. By promoting narratives of foreign interference and pressuring civil society through controversial legislation like the "foreign agents" law, GD seeks to consolidate power while deflecting blame for democratic backsliding. The party's messaging, often echoed by pro-government media and figures from the affiliated People's Power movement, casts the West as manipulative and intent on regime change. This strategy, according to the report, serves not only to suppress dissent but also to realign public perception, shifting focus from democratic reforms to defending “traditional values” and national identity. Ultimately, the report warns that such rhetoric risks derailing Georgia’s European path and weakening democratic institutions.
Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward the European Union in Georgia - Europe Foundation (CRRC, September 2023)
Interviews were administered using the Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) method between March 14 and May 3, 2023. Notably, the fieldwork commenced soon after protesters in Tbilisi forced the Georgian parliament to retract a controversial “foreign agents” bill.15 Consequently, results reflect the country’s public mood that followed the protests. Overall, 2,458 completed interviews were collected, with a 30% response rate. Interviews were administered in the Georgian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani languages.
While maintaining a general positive outlook, trust in the EU, while still relatively high at 53%, has declined compared to earlier years, with 13% of respondents expressing distrust. Additionally, 21% hold neutral views, and 10% express outright negative attitudes toward the EU, indicating a rise in skepticism. Knowledge about the EU remains limited. Only 41% of Georgians are aware of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, and just 36% can correctly identify the EU’s main goals. Awareness is especially low in rural areas, where only 30% report being well-informed about the EU. Concerns over geopolitical risks are prominent: 72% believe that strengthening ties with the EU could worsen Georgia’s relations with Russia, while only 14% think it would have no impact. Furthermore, 25% of respondents fear that EU integration could threaten Georgia’s cultural identity.
The European Union’s Strategic Test in Georgia - IFRI (Giuashvili, January 2025)
Teona Giuashvili’s policy memo, published in January 2025, analyzes Georgia’s political shift under the GD party. Once pro-EU, GD has increasingly distanced itself from European integration, aligning with pro-Russian rhetoric, nationalism, and authoritarianism, leading to widespread protests. Giuashvili argues this shift threatens Georgia’s sovereignty and regional stability, particularly by increasing Russian influence in the South Caucasus. She criticises the EU’s response as weak and insufficient, calling for a more assertive stance. The report stresses that the EU must reassess its engagement with Georgia, supporting democratic forces and civil society, and applying stronger diplomatic pressure. Despite the high stakes for Georgia and the wider region, the EU’s response to the crisis has been lacking, leading to frustration among many Georgians. Brussels’ inaction undermines its credibility as a geopolitical power, exposing its inability to act decisively and defend its interests, particularly when they align with democratic values. Furthermore, Georgia’s pivot is part of Russia’s broader effort to reassert its influence in Eastern Europe, weakening Western presence in the South Caucasus. The report warns that not only Georgia’s but also Armenia’s efforts to reduce Russian influence will be hindered.
Disinformation in Georgia: Challenges and Solutions - SJC (Cole, 2024)
The government’s refusal to cooperate with independent media, weak media literacy efforts, and failure to act. The 2024 report by the Social Justice Center examines how disinformation has become a key political tool in Georgia, especially amid its EU integration process. It reveals that disinformation campaigns, driven by state actors and pro-government media, aim to delegitimize civil society, opposition parties, and critical voices, polarizing the public and framing the West as a threat to national identity and sovereignty. Since 2022, pro-Russian groups have intensified anti-Western rhetoric, accusing the EU and the US of trying to drag Georgia into the Ukraine war. GD officials have echoed this, accusing the opposition, especially the United National Movement (UNM), of plotting to open a “second front” and labeling them as a “party of war.” The report notes that GD has helped mainstream once-fringe anti-liberal, pro-Russian, and ethno-nationalist narratives. This is done under the guise of protecting national interests, often using conspiracy theories and legal tools, such as the “foreign agents” bill, to stigmatize NGOs and journalists.
Georgia: Terrible Dilemma for Europe - Robert Schuman Foundation (Gente, June 2023)
The article by Régis Genté explores the complex geopolitical situation of Georgia in 2023, focusing on its aspirations and the challenges faced: 1) a deep desire for Europe: around 82% of Georgians support EU membership, seeking alignment with European values such as human rights, democratic governance, and economic development, 2) strategy of breaking with the West: the ruling party has shifted towards policies closer to Russia, 3) the Yanukovych moment: The article draws parallels with Ukraine's 2013 EU association crisis, suggesting Georgia may face a similar dilemma, 4) why this strategy of rupture? The unprecedented role of the oligarch: GD's leadership, particularly Bidzina Ivanishvili, plays a crucial role in this shift, using his economic influence to steer the country away from the EU, 5) twelve "priorities": the government outlines twelve key priorities, including economic and infrastructural development, but these priorities often conflict with European integration goals, 6) candidate" Georgia, a conundrum: the EU faces a dilemma over whether to grant Georgia candidate status. Doing so could validate the government's current pro-Russian stance, while denying it may deepen the divide and destabilize the region. The article emphasizes Georgia’s delicate balance between its European aspirations and the increasing influence of Russia, creating a challenging geopolitical situation.
A Stolen Election and a Stolen Future: Georgia's Defiant Resistance - EPDE (Chikhladze, 2024)
The policy paper authored by Mariam Chikhladze and published by the European Platform for Democratic Elections (EPDE) in February 2025 examines the political turmoil in Georgia following the October 2024 parliamentary elections. The report highlights widespread allegations of electoral fraud that have led to mass protests across the nation, with citizens demanding new elections and the release of political prisoners. Salome Zurabishvili and opposition parties condemned the election as a “Russian special operation” and renounced their mandates. OSCE ODIHR observed ballot secrecy issues in 24% of cases, raising concerns about electoral integrity. The government's suspension of EU accession negotiations until 2028, in violation of Georgia's constitutional commitment to European integration, has intensified public dissent. The international community has largely condemned the Georgian government's actions, resulting in the country's isolation from the West.
The Impact of Georgia's 'Foreign Influence' Law - The House of Commons Library (Mills, October 2024)
The House of Commons Library briefing, written in October 2024, analyzes the political fallout from the controversial law passed in April 2024. Dominated by the Georgian Dream party since 2012, Georgia’s political scene is heavily shaped by GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen by many as the country’s informal leader with pro-Russian leanings. The "foreign influence" law, first introduced and withdrawn in 2023, was revived and passed in 2024, requiring organizations receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence,” echoing Russian legal precedents. This move triggered a strong domestic backlash: opposition parties staged boycotts, and mass protests erupted over fears of shrinking democratic space and civil society repression. Internationally, the law drew condemnation and risked derailing Georgia’s EU integration. France and Germany suspended bilateral aid, the US reviewed its support and considered sanctions, while NATO raised concerns over democratic backsliding. The briefing also notes potential outcomes, including court challenges, further restrictive legislation, and significant stakes in Georgia’s October 2024 elections. It ultimately portrays the law as a pivotal test for Georgia’s democratic trajectory and foreign policy orientation.
Georgia at a Crossroads: An Increasingly Illiberal Domestic Policy is Becoming an Obstacle to EU Accession - EGMONT – The Royal Institute for International Relations (Brender, July 2024)
In his policy brief, written in July 2024, Reinhold Brender outlines six key challenges threatening Georgia’s democracy and EU aspirations: 1) dispute over the “Foreign Agents” law: The reintroduction of this controversial bill has fueled mass protests and drawn sharp criticism from EU officials, as it threatens civil society and echoes Russian repressive tactics; 2) state capture: the ruling Georgian Dream party has consolidated power around oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, weakening checks and balances and undermining institutional independence. 3) flawed democracy: Georgia’s democratic credentials are deteriorating, with concerns over election integrity, politicized courts, and the erosion of media pluralism; 4) illiberal turn of GD: the increasingly authoritarian rhetoric and governance style have distanced the country from its earlier pro-European path; 5) pressure from Russia: Georgia faces mounting Russian influence—both direct and indirect—intensifying the geopolitical dilemma between aligning with the West or succumbing to authoritarian pressure; 6) EU accession challenges: despite public support for EU membership, Georgia’s internal democratic decline jeopardizes its candidate status and credibility with Brussels; 7) the EU faces two main challenges in addressing the situation: avoiding actions that could be perceived as interference, which would play into Russian and GD narratives, and dealing with limited resources and competing priorities like the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, alongside internal EU divisions.
The War on Truth: Russian Disinformation and Georgia’s Path to EU Discord - EUvsDisinfo (April, 2025)
The article, written in April 2025, explores how Russian disinformation campaigns are undermining Georgia's path to European integration by spreading divisive narratives. These campaigns distort the truth and foster anti-Western sentiment, amplifying internal political conflicts and mistrust in the EU. The Georgian Dream party's increasing alignment with pro-Russian rhetoric exacerbates these issues, complicating the nation's relationship with both the EU and its citizens. Pro-Kremlin disinformation, primarily in Georgian, often mirrors messaging from Georgian Dream. Russian state outlets like Sputnik amplify these narratives, advocating for closer ties with Russia. These campaigns target organizations such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), accusing them of financing revolutions and undermining Georgia's sovereignty. Sputnik South Ossetia claimed the US was using protesters to repeat a 'Euromaidan scenario,' while Sputnik Georgia accused the EU of interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs. Furthermore, disinformation campaigns falsely accuse Western organizations, foundations, NGOs, and diplomatic actors of orchestrating protests. As disinformation continues to spread, Georgia’s journey toward integration remains increasingly uncertain.
Audience Research - Zink Network (May, 2023)
The 2023 survey by CRRC Georgia, supported by USAID, reveals enduring public support for EU integration (81%), but also highlights emerging ambivalence and disinformation-driven skepticism. Despite pro-European majority sentiment, a notable minority expresses concerns that challenge Georgia’s Western orientation. For instance, 30% believe Georgian traditions are better preserved through alignment with Russia, and 17% agree that Russia is a more natural ally due to cultural and religious commonalities. Additionally, 31% believe the West is trying to drag Georgia into war, with similar suspicions toward Ukrainian officials (33%) and the Georgian opposition (25%).
These narratives, amplified by disinformation, undermine public confidence in Western alignment. While 59% trust the West more for national security, nearly a third (31%) either distrust both or view Russia as preferable. Moreover, belief in conspiracy narratives—like the idea that the West provoked the Russia-Ukraine war (25%)—reflects the penetration of anti-Western propaganda.
This polarization of public opinion creates a softer, psychological barrier to EU integration. The erosion of consensus on Western values and increased openness to pro-Russian rhetoric, particularly among older and rural demographics, suggests that disinformation and value-based identity concerns are significant societal obstacles to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.
Georgia: How to Tread Carefully and Preserve the EU’s Diplomatic Role - International Crisis Group (October 2024)
The briefing explores Georgia’s deepening political polarization ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections and the EU’s precarious position as a mediator. It highlights how the ruling Georgian Dream party’s increasingly antagonistic stance toward Western institutions, particularly the EU and US, combined with controversial legislation, such as the reintroduction of the “foreign agents” bill, has heightened tensions domestically and internationally. The briefing warns that the EU’s leverage may diminish if it is perceived as partisan or overly critical. While a majority of Georgians still support EU integration, mistrust of institutions is growing. The EU is encouraged to maintain its diplomatic credibility by promoting dialogue, especially with civil society, and avoiding actions that may be interpreted as interference. It stresses the importance of measured responses, coordination with the U.S., and sustained support for democratic institutions. With Georgia’s EU candidate status at stake, the document concludes that careful diplomacy is essential. The EU must remain engaged but cautious, supporting reforms and transparency while avoiding moves that could further entrench polarization or provoke nationalist backlash.
EU Neighbours East Annual Survey – Georgia (EU Neighbours East, March 2024)
This annual survey, conducted in March 2024, captures the attitudes of Georgian citizens toward the European Union (EU). Using a two-stage stratified random sampling method, the study gathered face-to-face responses from 1,000 individuals aged 15 and older across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas of Georgia. The survey covered topics including perceptions of the EU, trust in institutions, awareness of EU financial aid, and media consumption patterns.
Key Insights on Public Attitudes Toward the EU: A strong majority of Georgians maintain a positive view of the EU: 75% of respondents reported either a “very positive” or “fairly positive” image of the EU. Trust in the EU is high, with the EU consistently rated above other international institutions like NATO or the UN. The EU is most associated with values like freedom of speech, human rights, peace, and economic prosperity. Age variation: Young people (under 35) tend to have slightly higher awareness and more favorable views of the EU compared to older groups.
Settlement differences: Urban residents are generally more informed about the EU and consume more digital EU-related content, while rural populations show slightly lower levels of awareness and trust. Overall, the data indicates a consistently pro-European outlook in Georgia, with generational and geographic differences in engagement.
Georgian Survey of Public Opinion | September – October 2023 (IRI, 15.11.2023)
The International Republican Institute’s (IRI) Georgian Public Opinion Survey, conducted from September 14 to October 14, 2023, provides a comprehensive snapshot of public attitudes toward democracy, international relations, governance, and political engagement in Georgia. Conducted by the Institute of Polling & Marketing and coordinated by Baltic Surveys/The Gallup Organization, this nationwide study used CAPI-administered face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults, representing the population by age, gender, region, and urban/rural distribution. The survey carries a ±2.5% margin of error and a strong 73% response rate.
Key Findings on Attitudes Toward the European Union (EU): Overall Support: 73% of respondents fully support Georgia’s EU membership, with an additional 13% somewhat supporting it.
Age Group Differences: 80% of the 18–35 age group fully support EU integration. Support decreases to 73% among those aged 36–55, and to 68% among those aged 56+.
Settlement Type Variations: Urban residents (82%) and Tbilisi inhabitants (73%) show the strongest support. Rural support is lower, with 69% fully supporting EU membership.
This data illustrates a strong national consensus for EU integration, particularly among youth and city dwellers, while older and rural populations remain supportive but comparatively less enthusiastic. The findings highlight generational and geographical divides in foreign policy orientation.
If you found all this useful, the full credit again goes to Luka Chitiani and Olgica Osmajic, who assembled this bibliography when we were working on a project together. (Their LinkedIn profiles are in the links behind their names, if you want to reach out and connect.)
If you have ideas to add, or suggestions on the annotations (which may not always fully reflect all aspects that the authors themselves had in mind), please comment below.