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The Challenges that were so evident a decade ago

While organising my old files, I came across my talking points for the Batumi International Conference – Georgia’ European Way – in July 2014. At the time, I had just founded the NGO PanEuropa Georgia, and it was my first participation in an official event in that role. In my remarks, almost 11 years ago, I warned participants that certain factors could hinder Georgia’s path to European integration and urged the NGO sector, independent journalists, and government representatives that we all have to pay due attention to them. Below are the problems I focused on:

  • The majority of the population is not reasonably well-informed;
  • There is no tradition of public discussions;
  • A significant part of the citizens are not involved in social life;
  • The society hardly accepts different opinions.

More than a decade later, the challenges I highlighted at that conference have become even more pressing today.

In my remarks, I emphasised that many Georgians still lack a clear understanding of how European institutions function and how EU membership would affect their daily lives. I pointed out that media narratives mainly focus on high-level political events but fail to communicate how European integration impacts ordinary citizens. This remains true today. An ordinary Georgian citizen still struggles to comprehend the tangible benefits of EU membership beyond abstract political rhetoric. The lack of in-depth, citizen-focused storytelling about Europe continues to fuel scepticism, especially among those in rural areas and economically disadvantaged communities. A decade ago, I warned that social media in our country was increasingly becoming a battleground for misinformation, with narratives portraying Europe as alien to Georgian identity. These claims threatened society that joining the EU would erode Georgia’s traditional cultural and Christian values. In that prism, Russia was presented as a more natural ally. Today, in 2025, these narratives have become even more aggressive. Another challenge highlighted in 2014 was the need for more platforms for open discussions where people of all generations could engage in dialogue about Georgia’s future. I argued that fostering a culture of debate was essential for combating Euroscepticism. While some progress has been made in recent years, the generational and ideological divides remain strong. Senior generations that are shaped by the Soviet-era mentality mostly remain sceptical of European values, while younger, globally connected Georgians have embraced them. The failure to bridge this gap has allowed misinformation to take deeper root, particularly among those who lack access to alternative, non-Russian sources of information.

At the Batumi Conference, I also discussed the lingering effects of Soviet-era thinking, particularly the difficulty many Georgians have in accepting diversity and change. I drew a parallel between the Soviet practice of forcing left-handed children to write with their right hand and the modern reluctance to accept differing opinions.
Today, this rigid mindset continues to hinder open discourse. Anti-European forces have exploited the fear of cultural, political, or social change to sow doubt about Georgia’s future within the EU. Fighting this deeply ingrained resistance remains one of the most significant challenges to Georgia’s European aspirations.
Back in 2014, I called for:
• A stronger role for NGOs in educating the public about the EU;
• Better media coverage focused on real-life European experiences;
• The creation of spaces for public discussion and civic engagement;
• A greater emphasis on combating misinformation through social media.

These solutions are even more critical today. The need for grassroots initiatives, fact-based journalism, and inclusive dialogue has only intensified. With the adoption of restrictive laws to silence independent media and limit the works of NGOs, it is essential to develop new effective mechanisms to support independent voices. Enhancing cooperation with civil society, academic institutions, and digital platforms is crucial in cultivating critical thinking and strengthening resilience against disinformation and manipulation.

Looking back at my 2014 remarks, it is clear that many of the warnings I expressed have materialised, becoming even more urgent and visible today. I want to ask the rhetorical question: if everything was so evident 11 years ago, why did neither we, civil society, nor, most importantly, the state, take decisive action to prevent us from reaching this point—unless, of course, this was the government’s hidden objective all along?

In any case, the battle is far from over. The four-month, nonstop protests in Tbilisi are a good attestation of our society’s unwavering determination. The future of Georgia’s European integration depends on informed citizens, open discussions, and a relentless effort to counter disinformation with truth. Only by upholding these principles can we ensure our path toward the EU.

February 2025

Téa Parulava

Téa is a Georgian journalist, editor, communications expert and blogger with extensive experience in media, cultural reporting, and international relations. Based in Vienna, she works as a correspondent for Georgian media, covering cultural and political developments in Austria, Central, and Eastern Europe. www.euroambebi.eu

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