
Following the announcement of suspending EU integration, the level of polarization escalated rapidly, reaching its highest point in recent periods, which was maintained at the beginning of December. Traditionally, the polarization index decreases toward the end of the year as political activity subsides with the approach of the New Year. However, despite a slight decline, the polarization level at the end of the current year remained significantly higher than in the same period of previous years.

On Tuesday, 26th November, ISET Policy Institute hosted an insightful seminar by Dr. Christophe Cordonnier, a distinguished international expert in Historical Economics. The event, organized in collaboration with the French Georgian University, took place at ISET in Tbilisi and brought together a diverse audience of academics, students, and professionals.

The project aims to raise awareness and boost participation in the democratic process, fostering a strong and inclusive understanding of the benefits of EU integration for all age and ethnic groups in Georgia. Our goal is to communicate the tangible advantages of democracy and the EU path to Georgian youth and regional populations. Utilizing social media, we share compelling evidence highlighting the benefits of a European future for Georgia. The campaign is inclusive, with content available in Armenian and Azeri to reach minority groups.

ISET Policy Institute, which since 2011 has been in service of the development agenda of the country through economic policy dialogue and evidence-based economic research condemns the government’s recent actions and reintroduction of the so-called ‘Russian Law’ that jeopardizes country’s European integration and puts its cooperation with authorities on hold until the Georgian government returns into service of the country’s European aspiration.

In an online international panel discussion hosted on December 22 at 2 PM, the ISET Policy Institute delved into the economic implications of Georgia being granted EU candidate status. The event, titled 'What economic benefits should Georgia expect after receiving EU candidate status?' sought to address the question that has captured broad professional and public interest since the historic decision on December 14.