Georgia: "Home to Europe!" organization plans pro-EU rally in Tbilisi, June 20

Event

The "Home to Europe!" pressure group will hold a pro-EU rally in central Tbilisi on June 20 to show their support for Georgia's accession to the bloc. Activists will gather outside Parliament on Shota Rustaveli Avenue from 20:00 before marching to Europe Square around 21:00. Although attendance levels are unclear, precedent suggests that the rally will be well supported.

While the action will likely remain peaceful, police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the gathering as a precaution. Associated security measures and large crowds will likely prompt localized travel disruptions. Violence is not anticipated.

Context

The EU announced on June 17 that Georgia did not merit candidate status, but set conditions for its eventual accession. A series of separate rallies have marked the build-up to this decision. President Salome Zurabichvili organized a well-supported rally June 16; however, the event was denounced by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Though most political groups support EU accession, extant divisions in the country have resulted in multiple separate events being planned. Further rallies are likely.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations near Parliament and Europe Square, Tbilisi; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent any related disruptions.