Georgia 2014 – Commons Library Standard Note

Georgia has signed and ratified the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014, despite hostility towards the move from Russia.

The country remains divided, with the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia having declared independence. The regions’ independence has been recognised by Russia but not by major Western countries.

Russia and Abkhazia signed a cooperation treaty in November 2014, to protests from the Georgian government, which alleged that it was a step towards annexation. Russia denied this.

The disparate governing coalition showed signs of coming apart in late 2014, partly over disagreements over EU integration and partly because parties want to differentiate themselves for the forthcoming parliamentary election.

Georgia’s economy is forecast to grow reasonably strongly over the next few years but a worsening of the Ukraine crisis would cast doubt on those predictions.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Georgia http://eeas.europa.eu/georgia/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Georgia cries fouls as Moscow strengthens ties with Abkhazia http://www.europeansources.info/record/georgia-cries-fouls-as-moscow-strengthens-ties-with-abkhazia/

ESO: Background information: The political crisis in Georgia: which way next? http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-political-crisis-in-georgia-which-way-next/

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