Why is Georgia struggling to join the EU?

IT SEEMED TO be quite a snub. On June 23rd the European Union declined to grant Georgia candidate status, an important step towards full membership. Two other ex-Soviet countries, Ukraine and Moldova, did become candidates. The three had developed their relations with the bloc at a similar pace. In 2014 they all signed association agreements with the EU to encourage political collaboration and economic integration. More than 80% of Georgians want EU membership and last month’s setback sparked anti-government protests in Tbilisi, the capital. Why is Georgia falling behind on the path to accession?

When considering membership applications, the EU judges the stability of a country’s democratic institutions and the strength of its economy. First the European Commission gives a detailed opinion on a country’s application, either recommending that it be made an official candidate or outlining reforms needed to achieve that status. Its recommendation requires the approval of both the EU General Affairs Council, made up of member countries’ European-affairs ministers, and the European Council, made up of heads of state. Once candidate status is granted a country can negotiate a plan for accession. Official candidacy is no guarantee of membership, though. Turkey has been a candidate since 1999.