On June 20, tens of thousands of Georgians have rallied on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, to support Georgia’s accession to the European Union and protest against what they saw the Georgian Dream government’s deliberate failure to secure the EU candidacy. Organized by activist group Shame Movement, the March for Europe aimed to send a pro-European message to Brussels, where 27 Member States in the EU Council will make their final decision on Georgia’s EU bid on June 23-24. Symbolically, the rally later marched towards Europe Square, where protesters chalked messages in support of European integration.
Our own Guram Muradov captured moments from the massive rally:
Tens of thousands rally for Europe outside the Parliament of Georgia. June 20, 2022. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
“We are Europe” was one of the official slogans. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Home – to Europe was the official title slogan of the rally. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Doggedly to Europe – a handwritten slogan that won the hearts. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Some protesters carried banners against Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream founder and patron. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Some protesters carried banners against Bidzina Ivanishvili, Georgian Dream founder and patron. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Oligarchic power is seen as the key obstacle towards EU candidacy by some. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Shame Movement activists spearheaded the rally 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Massive pro-EU rally in Tbilisi. June 20, 2022. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Blue and Yellow of the Ukrainian flag were omnipresent, as protesters showed solidarity. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
“Glory to Ukraine” Slogan Chalked on the pavement. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Tens of thousands rallied. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Protest outside the Parliament of Georgia to demand EU membership. June 20, 2022. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Ukraine and Moldova flags carried in solidarity. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Organizers stand as the flag of Moldova flies in solidarity on the screen. Guram Muradov/Civil.ge 
Pro-Europe rally in Tbilisi. June 20, 2022. Photo: screengrab from Shame Movement’s drone footage 
Rally for Europe in Tbilisi outside the Parliament. June 20, 2022. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
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