Georgia Knocking on Europe's Door: Russia, Georgia, and the EU Association Agreement

Abstract

On June 27, Georgia will sign an Association Agreement with the EU - the same type of agreement that triggered revolution and crisis in Ukraine. Despite all efforts to reduce its dependency on Russia, Georgia remains in a vulnerable position. Russian pressure is to be expected, either in the run-up to the signing or in its aftermath, while Georgia will stay in the EU's antechamber, without security guarantees from NATO. In view of Russian attempts to exert influence and a possible rise of Euroskepticism within Georgia, the EU's challenge is to keep the country on the European track.