Georgians are recently reporting a negative image of the European Union, with 48% of respondents viewing the bloc negatively in 2025 and 50% in 2026. This compares with a 32% negative rating in 2024.
The survey was conducted by EU Neighbours East. It shows that the negative view of Brussels coincides with Georgians supporting their EU accession (71%). It appeared at a time of acrimonious official relations between the EU and Georgia. (Early this month, Tbilisi asked Luxembourg to help prompt Brussels to resume talks.)
Respondents also said that they trust the EU less, down to 67% from 81% in 2024. They also believe, rightly, that relations with the EU have been deteriorating consistently since 2024. In contrast, they believe that the key problems facing Georgia are unemployment (69%), poverty (58%), and low salaries or pensions (57%).
From a Brussels’ perspective, Tbilisi’s EU membership ambitions are a low priority, with the accession process for Moldova and Montenegro (and, bizarrely, Ukraine) much more advanced.
