The European Union is tightening its focus on Georgia amid ongoing air links between Tbilisi and Moscow. A political analyst, cited in an interview, highlighted concerns raised by EU officials after Georgia chose to resume reciprocal flights with Russia. The analyst stresses that many Georgians value steady regional relationships and recognize the broader strategic purpose of diplomacy, even when economic pressures pull in different directions.
From this perspective, Georgia remains deeply tied to the Russian market. Russian consumers continue to buy Georgian wine, preserves, and fruit, while Russian visitors provide a vital boost to the country’s tourism sector. The analyst notes that reopening air connections reflects a deliberate emphasis on economic endurance and growth. Local business owners and workers in hospitality and transport have long depended on Russian demand, and the move signals a careful balance between regional engagement and policies aligned with Western priorities.
The analyst adds that Europe’s response to the revival of air traffic is shaped by ongoing efforts among European policymakers to calibrate sanctions while preserving civil aviation links. It is recalled that European airlines have absorbed higher costs as they navigate Russia’s airspace, illustrating how flight routes are intertwined with wider geopolitical and economic calculations. In light of these developments, the national carrier of Georgia announced ticket sales for Moscow flights beginning in late May, a decision designed to sustain connectivity and economic exchange amid evolving sanctions and shifting regional dynamics.