Strategic communication and public diplomacy of the European Union in Georgia

This contract will support the strategic communication efforts of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Georgia. The objectives of this contract will be to 1. continue to inform the public in Georgia about the EU and what the EU integration path entails; 2. further improve awareness about the EU's support to Georgia and its impact in the context of the citizens of Georgia’s aspiration to join the EU; and 3. increase engagement with target audiences in Georgia in a meaningful way. The main strategic communication related challenges faced by the EU in Georgia are to maintain the positive perception of the EU, inform about the EU integration process, showcase the benefits of the close relationship between the EU and Georgia. It is also essential to dispel EU-related mis- and disinformation, the levels of which have sharply increased in the past year. A polarised political and societal landscape and anti-EU/Western disinformation narratives fluctuating on internal political and external geopolitical developments exacerbate these challenges. It is also affected by the backlash against civil society, gender equality, human rights (including minority rights) and democracy. Reinforcing the EU’s communication work in Georgia is vital to counter misinformation, enhance resilience against internal and external propaganda that seeks to undermine the EU’s influence and objectives, and further promote the EU’s values and policies, enhancing mutual understanding and trust between the EU and Georgia. By ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the benefits of EU-Georgia cooperation and closer integration with the EU, the EU’s communication work should support the citizens of Georgia’s European aspirations. The contract will support the Delegation in defining and implementing an evidenced based communication strategy. It will deliver coordinated communication campaigns and activities involving ongoing EU-funded projects implemented and active Team Europe members in Georgia. Activities should take place and cover all the regions of Georgia.