Source: The Print
Context: Georgia is witnessing turmoil as protests erupted following the government’s decision to delay European Union (EU) membership talks until 2028.
About Georgia:
- Capital: Tbilisi.
- Neighbours: Russia (north and northeast), Azerbaijan (east and southeast), Armenia and Turkey (south), Black Sea (west).
- Geographical Features:
- Highest Point: Mount Shkhara in the Greater Caucasus range.
- Major Rivers: Inguri, Rioni, and Kodori.
- Conflict Regions: Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Ajaria.
About European Union (EU):
- Origin: Established to ensure peace and economic cooperation post-World War II.
- Key Treaty: Treaty of Maastricht (1993) formalized the EU.
- Members: 27 countries, namely Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
- Criteria to Join the EU:
- European geography
- Respect for democratic values
- Stable institutions ensuring rule of law
- Functioning market economy
- Capacity to adopt EU laws
- Commitment to EU integration goals
- Recent Developments:
- 2013: Croatia became the latest member.
- 2020: The UK left the EU (Brexit).
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