Civic activists, citizens, and members of domestic opposition parties have launched a rally in support of Georgia’s European integration in the capital Tbilisi, with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to address the crowd in the downtown on Friday (June 24).

Called by the civic movement Shame, the protest is held on the city’s Rustaveli Avenue, outside the Parliament building. Shame members said they would present an “action plan” of their objectives to the public.

The demonstration follows the European Council’s decision this week on granting Georgia a "European perspective" of becoming a member of the bloc. The decision fell short of granting Georgia the membership candidate status outright.

A rally in support of Georgia’s European integration is being organized by Shame and other civil organizations on Rustaveli Avenue.

The gathered people wave the flags of Georgia and the European Union. The anthems of Georgia and the European Union were performed.

According to the members of Shame, the action plan will be presented to the public today. Representatives of civil society, as well as various opposition parties are present at the rally along with citizens.

Due to the ongoing rally in front of the Parliament, the traffic on Rustaveli Avenue has been blocked. Police are mobilized in the area.