A new public opinion poll conducted by the Institute for Social Research and Analysis (ISSA) highlights a growing concern among the Georgian population over the future of visa-free travel to the European Union, with stark contrasts between government supporters and the broader public.
According to the survey, 59% of respondents believe there is a serious or high risk that Georgia may lose its visa-free travel privileges with the EU. However, among Georgian Dream supporters, that level of concern is significantly lower: only one-third see such a threat, while 53% believe the risk is minimal or nonexistent.
The poll also gauged who the public would hold responsible if visa-free travel were suspended. Overall, 54% of Georgians say the ruling party would bear responsibility. In contrast, only 14% of Georgian Dream voters would blame their own party. Instead:
- 40% of ruling party supporters would blame the opposition;
- 23% would point fingers at the European Union.
These findings reflect a deep political divide in perceptions of accountability and Georgia's trajectory toward the West.
Doubts About EU Membership Under Current Government
The survey also asked about expectations for EU membership. 46% of the public does not believe that Georgia will join the EU under the current Georgian Dream administration. Among Georgian Dream voters, however, 49% remain optimistic that membership will happen during their party’s tenure.
Meanwhile, when asked about the ruling party’s foreign policy orientation, the population once again appeared sharply divided:
- 55% of the general public believes Georgian Dream serves the interests of Russia or its allies;
- By contrast, 66% of Georgian Dream voters believe the government follows a balanced policy, not favoring any particular country.
Strong Public Support for EU and NATO
Despite concerns about the government's direction, support for Euro-Atlantic integration remains high across the country:
- 83% of respondents support EU membership;
- Including 68% of Georgian Dream supporters.
- 68% support NATO membership.
- Only 9% support joining the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)—a Russian-led military alliance.
- 52% of respondents support neutrality;
- Among Georgian Dream supporters, that number rises to 66%.
Survey Methodology
The nationwide poll was conducted between June 17 and 29, 2025, with a representative sample of 2,000 respondents. A probabilistic, cluster-based methodology with preliminary stratification was used. The margin of error is ±2.2%, indicating that the results closely reflect the actual distribution of public opinion in Georgia.
