In recent years, the European Union (EU) has evaluated its enlargement policy not only as an economic and political strategy but also as a geopolitical investment tool for strengthening stability, regional peace, and common values. The 2024 Enlargement Package, adopted by the European Commission on 30 October 2024, evaluates the current status of candidate and potential candidate states’ progress towards EU membership. In this context, Georgia has achieved an important gain on the path to European integration after gaining candidate status at the end of 2023. The EU is closely following Tbilisi’s developments and challenges throughout 2024.[1]
With its strategic geopolitical location and historical connections, Georgia has been pursuing its goal of becoming a part of the EU for many years. Especially, the EU membership perspective comes to the fore as a priority orientation in the state’s foreign policy. This stage includes not only the economic and political integration of the country but also the strengthening of democratic values, the rule of law, and human rights.
Notably, the goal of achieving full membership by 2030 remains a key priority in the state’s foreign policy. Although this phase seems to have been interrupted from time to time due to fluctuations in internal and external relations, diplomatic contacts and business partnership initiatives continue between parties. In addition to this, the visa-free travel opportunity provided to Georgian citizens has recently become a subject of both political debates and evaluations regarding the future of EU-Georgia relations.
Joint projects carried out with the EU not only contribute to the economic and political stability of Georgia but also serve as an important mechanism to support peace and sustainable development in the Caucasus region. In this context, the country’s participation in joint projects with Europe in the fields of transport, energy, and digital infrastructure also paves the way for the continuous strengthening of regional connections and the establishment of a strategic bridge on the Europe-Asia line.
The explanations made by Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Levan Davitashvili at the Qatar Economic Forum, held on 20-22 May 2025, once again revealed the state’s determination for EU membership. Davitashvili stated that Georgia has met approximately 60% of the membership criteria and that the necessary reforms continue to be implemented in line with the goal of full membership by 2030.[2]This statement is coherent with previous evaluations by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and shows that this administration continues its search for stability on its European path.
The right of Georgians to travel to these EU countries without a visa is a topic that has been discussed recently. Since 2017, more than one million Georgian citizens have used their right to travel to the Schengen Area without a visa.[3]However, some developments in the country’s domestic politics and criticism of democratic standards sometimes cause uncertainty about the future of this right. EU officials have stated that negative aspects of democratic and human rights values could justify the delay of visa-free travel rights. In addition, the government’s increased pressure on the opposition in 2024 has created serious discomfort in the EU on the issue. Despite all the debates, positive signals have been increasing recently in the communication and relations between Georgia and the EU. The sincere meeting between Prime Minister Kobakhidze and French President Emmanuel Macron at the 6th European Political Community summit, held in Tirana, Albania’s capital, on 16 May 2025, is interpreted as a sign of strengthened communication between the two sides. Kobakhidze explained this positive communication by saying, “There was a period when there was limited communication between Georgia and the EU. However, it is clear that our European partners want to revive relations with Georgia.”[4]
Georgia’s integration process with the EU is a foreign policy process that continues despite the difficulties it faces and has positive expectations for the future. Reform efforts and diplomatic initiatives undertaken in line with the country’s goal of full membership by 2030 are a sign to the state’s efforts to strengthen its position within the European family. Discussions on the right to visa-free travel have the potential to progress positively, as they are being addressed with a solution-oriented approach through constructive dialogue between sides. It is expected that the concrete steps taken by Georgia to strengthen democratic standards and align with European values will provide common gains for both the country’s society and the EU. In this context, it is expected that Georgia’s European journey will continue to progress on the basis of mutual understanding and cooperation.
[1] “Commission adopts 2024 Enlargement Package”, EEAS, https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/türkiye/commission-adopts-2024-enlargement-package_en?s=230, (Date Accessed: 03.06.2025).
[2] “Georgia’s EU accession is moving ‘in a very active way’, first deputy prime minister tells Euronews”, Euro News, https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/22/georgias-eu-accession-is-moving-in-a-very-active-way-first-deputy-prime-minister-tells-eur, (Date Accessed: 03.06.2025).
[3] “Georgian Government Preparing for EU Move to Suspend Visa-free Travel”, Eurasianet, https://eurasianet.org/georgian-government-preparing-for-eu-move-to-suspend-visa-free-travel, (Date Accessed: 03.06.2025).
[4] “Gürcistan: AB üyelik süreci ‘aktif bir şekilde’ ilerliyor”, Euro News, https://tr.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/05/22/gurcistan-ab-uyelik-sureci-aktif-bir-sekilde-ilerliyor, (Date Accessed: 03.06.2025).
