Recent developments reveal a marked intensification of Moscow’s efforts to deepen its presence within Georgia’s geopolitical landscape. Utilizing a blend of economic incentives, covert political maneuvering, and military posturing, Russia is steadily fortifying its foothold, particularly in contested border regions. This strategic encroachment undermines Tbilisi’s aspirations of Euro-Atlantic integration, exploiting the EU’s current diplomatic inertia and internal divisions among member states. Analysts highlight that Moscow’s approach is multifaceted, emphasizing soft power mechanisms such as targeted investments in critical infrastructure and energy sectors, alongside the maintenance of a persistent military presence just beyond Georgia’s borders.

The EU’s attempts at countering this influence…