Within Georgia’s ongoing political turmoil, a number of initiatives have sprung up to support local entrepreneurs, activists, and citizens committed to the country’s European integration journey. These platforms do more than address immediate needs; they also generate important conversations about Georgia’s democratic aspirations and its alignment with European values. Notable among these initiatives are Happy EU Year GE, FreeBusiness.ge, Ertobit.ge, and GZA (Georgisches Zentrum im Ausland), each playing a key role in promoting community solidarity, political engagement, and transparency in the face of uncertainty.
Happy EU Year GE: A Platform for Political Engagement and Business Solidarity
Happy EU Year GE is more than just a marketplace—it’s a political statement. Launched as an alternative to the City Mayor’s controversial Christmas market, the platform offers small business owners a chance to showcase their products while publicly declaring their support for Georgia’s European Union trajectory. With the political unrest, many entrepreneurs chose not to participate in the state-backed market, viewing it as politically compromised. By using Happy EU Year GE, businesses are able to make their stance clear, letting consumers know which companies align with European integration values.
What sets this platform apart is its ability to encourage engagement. Visitors can actively ask businesses to declare their position on Georgia’s EU aspirations, generating an open dialogue about the country’s political future. The platform tracks and displays which businesses support the EU integration process, who has declined to take a position, and who remains undecided, creating a transparent environment that holds businesses accountable and encourages civic participation. This initiative embodies the spirit of collective action and political involvement while supporting local entrepreneurship.
FreeBusiness.ge: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Challenging Times
In times of political and economic instability, small businesses often struggle to stay afloat. FreeBusiness.ge provides essential support to Georgia’s entrepreneurs, ensuring they can operate freely and navigate the complex challenges of a volatile environment. Offering resources like networking opportunities, business advice, and advocacy for better market conditions, the platform creates a community where entrepreneurs can share knowledge and grow their businesses.
FreeBusiness.ge is more than just a business resource—it’s a safe space for entrepreneurs to connect and discuss their common challenges. Whether it’s dealing with government regulations or addressing the broader social and political issues impacting their work, the platform fosters a resilient business community that stays true to its values, including Georgia’s pursuit of democracy and European integration. By emphasizing economic independence and solidarity, FreeBusiness.ge plays a crucial role in ensuring that small businesses can thrive, even in difficult times. Find out more on page 8!
Ertobit.ge: Comprehensive Support for Protesters and Activists
In times of civil unrest, support for those on the front lines is critical. Ertobit.ge is a comprehensive platform offering psychological, legal, and physical assistance to individuals engaged in protests and political movements. This initiative goes beyond just offering legal advice or counseling—it provides shelter, medical care, and direct protection for activists, ensuring they are supported in all aspects of their involvement.
Ertobit.ge also plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed. Through continuous updates, the platform tracks protest activity across Georgia, reporting on which cities are seeing demonstrations and offering insights into the status of protests on the ground. This combination of real-time information and practical support ensures that activists are safe, informed, and empowered to continue their work in the face of political challenges. By offering free services to those at the heart of Georgia’s political movements, Ertobit.ge plays a vital role in supporting the country’s democratic journey.
GZA: Raising Awareness and Strengthening the Georgian Diaspora’s Voice
For Georgians living abroad, staying connected to their homeland’s political struggles is crucial. GZA (Georgisches Zentrum im Ausland), or the Georgian Center Abroad, is a collective of European-based activists working to raise awareness about Georgia’s political climate and its aspirations for European integration. The platform serves as a vital resource for the Georgian diaspora, allowing them to engage with ongoing events, stay informed about political developments, and contribute to the cause of democracy and European integration from abroad.
Through organizing events, sharing updates, and creating spaces for dialogue, GZA ensures that the voice of the Georgian diaspora remains strong and visible. The platform provides a channel for emigrants to support Georgia’s political reforms while fostering a sense of solidarity among Georgians living outside their home country. By amplifying the challenges Georgia faces on the European stage, GZA helps maintain the momentum of the pro-European movement, ensuring that the aspirations of the Georgian people are heard globally.
Empowering Georgia’s Citizens and Entrepreneurs for a Better Future
These initiatives—Happy EU Year GE, FreeBusiness.ge, Ertobit.ge, and GZA—are powerful examples of how individuals and organizations are stepping up to support Georgia’s political movements and its path toward European integration. By creating platforms for dialogue, providing essential resources, and fostering solidarity, these projects are not only addressing immediate needs but also contributing to the long-term goal of a free, democratic, and European Georgia. Through their collective efforts, these initiatives are empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and ensuring that Georgia’s democratic aspirations continue to move forward despite the challenges that lie ahead.
By Kesaria Katcharava
