Why is Georgia struggling to join the EU?

Its economy is improving but its politics remain a problem

A demonstrator holds a Georgian national and an EU flags during a pro-EU and anti-Government Rally rally against in front of the Georgian Parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, July 3, 2022. Tens of thousands Georgians rallied on the streets of Tbilisi, angered by what the opposition sees as the government's failure to make progress on reforms that can boost the Caucasus country's hopes of joining the European Union. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov)

Jul 6th 2022

IT SEEMED TO be quite a snub. On June 23rd the European Union declined to grant Georgia candidate status, an important step towards full membership. Two other ex-Soviet countries, Ukraine and Moldova, did become candidates. The three had developed their relations with the bloc at a similar pace. In 2014 they all signed association agreements with the EU to encourage political collaboration and economic integration. More than 80% of Georgians want EU membership and last month’s setback sparked anti-government protests in Tbilisi, the capital. Why is Georgia falling behind on the path to accession?

This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “Why is Georgia struggling to join the EU?”