The Georgian government has announced the closure of the European Union and NATO Information Center, located in the heart of Tbilisi. According to official statements, the institution will undergo reorganization and be partially transferred under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some of the center’s staff may be laid off or reassigned to other government bodies.

Previously, the EU/NATO Information Center played an important role in promoting Euro-Atlantic integration, organizing educational programs and conferences, and serving as a platform for dialogue between civil society and international partners. The center was established in 2005 with the support of Western partners and actively cooperated with EU and NATO representations in Georgia.

Many analysts interpret this decision as a sign of deteriorating relations between Georgia and the West. In recent months, the ruling Georgian Dream party has faced criticism from the EU and the U.S. for increasing control over civil society, persecuting the opposition, and passing the controversial “foreign agents” law, which sparked mass protests in Tbilisi.

Officials have not yet clarified which department within the Foreign Ministry will take over the center’s functions, nor whether the public will retain access to previous initiatives. Opposition representatives have already called the move a “rejection of the pro-Western course” and demanded explanations from the Prime Minister.

The EU had previously warned of a possible review of Georgia’s status as a candidate country for EU membership in the event of “democratic backsliding and erosion of freedom of speech.” The decision to close the center may become a topic of discussion at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit.

#GEORGIA

28.06.2025 08:06