The Georgian government’s announcement to halt EU accession talks until at least 2028 is a betrayal of the overwhelming majority of Georgians, who aspire to join the European Union.
After the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia were marred by irregularities, the European Parliament last Thursday 28 November adopted a resolution calling for a re-run of the parliamentary elections under international supervision. The EU parliament also called for sanctions against the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and other high-ranking officials of the government party ‘Georgian Dream’ (GD).
The Georgian PM announced Thursday that his government will suspend the EU accession process at least until 2028. Since this announcement, a number of Georgian ambassadors globally have stepped down, and hundreds of civil servants and over 3,000 teachers have publicly denounced the decision to delay EU accession. Tens of thousands pro-EU Georgian citizens have courageously protested nights in a row in the streets of Tbilisi and other cities. The citizen mobilisation is exceptionally large and widespread.
The European Greens stand in solidarity with the Georgian people, and we strongly condemn the Georgian authorities' violent response to the protests, including physical attacks on protesters, journalists, and political opponents. There is footage of journalists being deliberately targeted by police and beaten unconscious in the streets. Additionally, detainees and lawyers report that repression inside detention centres is particularly brutal and systematic, with broken bones and eye injuries. These ruthless human rights violations have sent shivers throughout Georgian society and the rest of Europe.
Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party said: “This unacceptable brutality underscores the authoritarian drift of the so-called ‘Georgian Dream’ (GD) party. Their 12 year rule has been marked by disregard for the rule of law and basic democratic principles, rampant corruption, and widespread popular discontent. Georgians want to be part of the EU, and the Georgian people on the streets show tremendous courage in standing up for democracy and for their aspiration to join the EU. The EU must support them by applying sanctions on GD officials, following the targeted sanctions announced by Baltic states. For Georgian citizens though, visa-free travel must be maintained to ensure that ordinary people are not penalised for the actions of their government.”
Co-chair of the European Green Party Mélanie Vogel added: “Massive pro-European protests in Georgia in recent years have sent a very clear message. Over 70% of Georgians support joining the EU, which is also a goal enshrined in Georgia’s constitution. The European Greens strongly believe that we have a shared future together. Since October 2024, the European Green Party has called for an independent international investigation into the allegations of election irregularities. We support the citizens and the pro-European opposition who is resisting the illegitimate government, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
