Georgia speeds up EU application in policy U-turn

A woman takes part in a demonstration in Tbilisi, Georgia, to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Shakh Aivazov/AP

In a surprise U-turn, the government of Georgia has applied for EU membership just days after declaring it would not accelerate its application, as fears grow among the Georgian public that the Russian invasion might not stop with Ukraine.

A day after Ukraine made its formal application for EU membership on Wednesday, Georgia responded to the pressure of overwhelming public protests and made its own request, along with Moldova.