On May 9, Tbilisi marked Europe Day with a large-scale rally and march, underscoring the Georgian public’s enduring commitment to European integration amid ongoing political tensions.
The event began at 5:00 PM with coordinated marches from key locations across the city—including the Parliament of Georgia, Marjanishvili Square, Republic Square, and Avlabari Metro Station—culminating in a mass gathering at Europe Square by 7:00 PM. Participants carried EU and Georgian flags, chanted pro-European slogans, and called for the release of political prisoners, emphasizing unity and democratic values.
This year’s Europe Day held particular significance as it commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union. In Georgia, the occasion also served as a platform for citizens to express their aspirations for EU membership, especially following the government’s controversial decision in late 2024 to suspend accession talks until 2028.
Earlier in the day, Expo Georgia hosted a series of Europe Day events, including exhibitions, cultural programs, and discussions highlighting EU–Georgia cooperation in areas such as education, rural development, and democratic governance. The festivities concluded with a live concert, celebrating the shared values and partnership between Georgia and the European Union.
Despite political challenges, the strong turnout and spirited participation in the Europe Day march reflected the Georgian public’s unwavering desire for a European future.
Header image: IPN
