Analyst Anjaparidze questions whether Georgia’s EU path reflects majority’s conscious choice

Analyst Zaal Anjaparidze has called for public debate on Georgia’s Euro-Integration, arguing that the issue should not be treated as beyond discussion despite being anchored in Article 78 of the Constitution.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Anjaparidze criticized what he described as “propagandistic clichés” used by pro-Western groups, saying they portray EU integration as a fixed “civilizational choice” that should not be debated. He argued that, at this stage, EU membership did not represent a fully conscious and informed choice by the majority of Georgian society.

Citing research by the Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC), including a study titled Assessment of Attitudes Toward and Knowledge of the European Union in Georgia (2009–2015), Anjaparidze said public knowledge about EU institutions and agreements remained limited. He also noted that only 20 - 22% of Georgia’s population reportedly benefits from visa-free travel with the EU, according to more recent CRRC findings.

According to the data he referenced, direct support for Euro-Integration declined from 78% after 2013 to 62% in later years, which he attributed to increased public awareness of EU requirements and a more realistic assessment of accession prospects. He argued that current pro-EU sentiment was driven largely by consumer-oriented or pragmatic motives rather than shared values.

Anjaparidze further claimed that concerns over cultural and traditional issues, as well as EU regulatory frameworks, had influenced public attitudes.