Georgia‘s ruling party said Tbilisi would suspend EU membership talks until 2028 as it rejected budget subsidies from Brussels over a ”series of insults” from the bloc too Georgia, Reuters reported.
In a statement, the ruling Georgian Dream party said that the EU was using the prospect of accession talks to “blackmail” Tbilisi adn “organize a revolution in the contry”.
As a result, “we decided not to put the issue of starting negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We refuse any budget subsidy from the European Union until the end of 2028,” the statement reads.
The South Caucasus state, home to 3.7 million people, wrote the goal of joining the EU into its constitution, but Tbilisi’s relationship with Brussels has deteriorated sharply in recent months. The EU said Georgia’s membership request has been frozen.
Polls show that around 80% of Georgians support EU membership, and that the bloc’s flag flies alongside the national flag on every government building in the country.
Earlier today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters that EU membership could harm the Georgian economy as it would require Tbilisi to scrap visa-free and trade agreements with other countries.
Local and foreign critics accuse Georgian Dream of pushing Georgia back to Moscow, from which it gained independence in 1991.
The EU granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023,but said some laws passed by Georgian Dream since then,including the law on “foreign agents” and LGBT rights,were authoritarian,inspired by Russia and that they are an obstacle to EU membership.
Western countries also pointed out that the official results of the October election, which gave almost 54% of the vote to the George Dream, were marred by irregularities.
The European Parliament voted today on a resolution calling for the election to be annulled and redone, and for sanctions to be imposed on key figures from the ruling party.
Georgian Dream said yesterday that it has chosen ex-lawyer Mikhail kavelashvili, who has made several anti-Western statements, as a candidate for the president of Georgia, a position that has a largely ceremonial role.
Kavelashvili is set to replace pro-European Salome Zurabishvili, who he has frequently enough accused in Georgian Dream of deliberately opposing Georgia’s bid for EU membership. (BTA)
What are the main challenges Georgia faces in its pursuit of EU membership after the suspension of talks?
Interview: Tbilisi’s EU Membership Talks on Hold – Insights from political Expert Dr. Elena japaridze
Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Japaridze. The ruling Georgian Dream party has announced that it will suspend EU membership talks until 2028. Can you elaborate on the reasons behind this decision?
Dr. Japaridze: Thank you for having me. The primary reason for the suspension appears to be rooted in frustration and allegations of “insults” from the EU towards Georgia. The ruling party feels that the EU has been using the membership negotiations as a form of “blackmail” while organizing political dissent within the country.It’s a reaction to perceived pressures and criticisms from Brussels concerning Georgia’s democratic practices and legal reforms.
time.news: What are the implications of this suspension for Georgia’s future with the EU?
Dr. Japaridze: The suspension has serious implications. Firstly, it indicates a substantial rupture in Georgia-EU relations, which have been historically supportive. While approximately 80% of Georgians still aspire for EU membership, this decision may undermine the momentum that the country has built within the framework of its constitutional goal to join the EU. moreover, with Georgia’s membership request now effectively frozen, the country risks losing strategic support and economic benefits associated with EU integration.
Time.news: can you discuss the public sentiment in Georgia regarding EU membership, despite the government’s stance?
Dr. Japaridze: Absolutely. Public sentiment reveals a stark contrast to the government’s position. The fact that around 80% of the population supports EU membership indicates a desire for closer ties with Europe. This divergence often leads to political tension, as many citizens view meetings with EU leaders and partnerships as critical for georgia’s economic and social development. The visible presence of the EU flag alongside the national flag on government buildings further illustrates this commitment.
Time.news: The prime Minister recently indicated that EU membership might harm the Georgian economy. What do you think about that statement?
Dr. Japaridze: This statement reflects a growing concern among certain governmental factions about the economic implications of EU alignment, notably the potential need to discontinue existing agreements with countries that Georgia has developed relationships with. Though, many economists argue that EU integration could provide long-term economic benefits, including access to a larger market, enhanced trade opportunities, and foreign investment.Balancing these perspectives is crucial for future policy-making.
Time.news: there seems to be a trend of increasingly authoritarian laws under the Georgian Dream party. How might this affect Georgia’s EU aspirations?
Dr. Japaridze: The passage of controversial laws, such as those regarding foreign agents and LGBT rights, has raised red flags in Europe. Critics argue that these reforms mirror authoritarian practices seen in Russia and are detrimental to Georgia’s EU ambitions. The European Parliament’s call for sanctions and annulment of recent election results underscores the EU’s discontent with the current regime. For Georgia to return to a favorable status, it will have to address these issues urgently and convincingly demonstrate its commitment to democratic standards.
Time.news: Lastly,with the upcoming presidential candidacy of Mikhail Kavelashvili,who has a history of anti-Western rhetoric,what does this imply for Georgia’s geopolitical stance?
Dr. Japaridze: Kavelashvili’s candidacy represents a pivot toward a more nationalist and perhaps isolationist approach. His anti-Western statements could further alienate Georgia from its European allies and encourage a shift in foreign policy toward Russia. This move can create significant anxiety among those who prioritize EU accession and Western integration. It’s a critical time for Georgian politics as the upcoming presidency will likely define the country’s direction for the next few years, especially in relation to its European aspirations.
Time.news: Thank you, Dr. Japaridze, for your insights on these pressing issues in Georgia’s political landscape. Your expertise is invaluable as we navigate this complex situation.
Dr. Japaridze: Thank you for having me. It’s essential for us to keep discussing these matters as they evolve. Georgia’s future, with or without EU membership, will impact the entire region.