Public
Engagement

On 18th of November Dr George Robakidze, Executive Director of the EU Awareness Centre, took part in the First EU Enlargement Forum, the European Commission’s flagship initiative to reinvigorate public engagement with EU enlargement as a shared European project. The Forum, central to the Commission’s 2024–2029 strategic vision, gathered senior EU officials, policymakers, civil society representatives, and experts to discuss the future of an enlarged and more resilient Union.
This high-level event emphasised the growing consensus that enlargement is essential for strengthening Europe’s stability, security, economic competitiveness, and democratic resilience. With the EU now pursuing its most ambitious enlargement agenda in over a decade, the Forum underscored that the prospect of a larger Union is no longer a distant aspiration but a near-term political reality. In his intervention, George Robakidze highlighted the ongoing democratic backsliding in Georgia and the Georgian government’s move away from the EU. Speaking from his perspective as a long-standing diplomat and supporter of Georgia’s European aspirations, he expressed deep concern that a country once seen as a frontrunner for EU integration has now fallen behind, with the government increasingly adopting anti-European policies and aligning itself with Russian interests.
Dr Robakidze urged the European Commission to adopt stronger, more proactive measures to support Georgian civil society, which continues to defend the country’s European future despite growing pressures at home. He highlighted the need to move “from words to actions,” especially in light of recent legislative developments affecting the country’s visa-free regime with the EU. He stressed that any potential measures should avoid harming the Georgian population while still holding the government accountable. Closing his remarks, he appealed to EU leaders not to give up on Georgia, reaffirming that many Georgians remain committed to the country's European destiny.
EU Commissioners responded by expressing strong solidarity with the Georgian people and reaffirming that Georgia remains part of the European family. They emphasised that the EU’s ongoing support for civil society will continue despite increased government scrutiny, noting that funding has already been expanded and that work is underway to channel assistance in ways that ensure the safety and sustainability of Georgian civil society organisations.
Officials also underscored that rapid progress in the accession processes of other candidate countries — including Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, and the Western Balkans — will serve as a compelling demonstration that enlargement is both real and advancing. This, they argued, sends a clear signal to Georgians that their country can return to the path of integration once democratic reforms resume. The Forum’s discussions made clear that while the current political course of the Georgian government is a cause for serious concern, the European Union has not abandoned Georgia. On the contrary, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Georgian people, safeguarding democratic values, and keeping the door open for Georgia’s future return to the European path.

It was very encouraging and truly inspiring to see many young, bright, and genuinely committed Georgians at the forum, fully devoted to defending their future and upholding democratic values. Their energy, determination, and sense of responsibility provide real hope for Georgia’s European path and highlight the vital role of civil society in shaping the country’s democratic and European trajectory.
For the EU Awareness Centre, participating in such Forums reflects its broader aim to support Georgia’s European ambitions and to uphold European values across all candidate countries. As an organisation, EUAC remains dedicated to amplifying democratic voices, enhancing civic engagement, and ensuring that Georgia’s European integration remains a key priority for the EU.