EU envoy describes Georgia’s suspension of EU negotiations as ‘heartbreaking’ and denounces police brutality

The European Union‘s ambassador to Georgia expressed deep disappointment on Friday regarding Tbilisi’s decision to effectively pause its EU accession efforts until 2028, labeling the move as “heartbreaking.” He also criticized the police’s use of force against demonstrators at a pro-EU rally held on Thursday.

Law enforcement employed water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas against young protesters who were outraged by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s choice to suspend EU accession discussions, which they described as a response to “blackmail” from Brussels.

“We condemn the violence directed at peaceful demonstrators,” stated EU envoy Pawel Herczynski.

Characterizing the halt in accession talks as “very regrettable… heartbreaking,” Herczynski remarked:

“This action contradicts the policies of previous Georgian administrations and the expressed will of the overwhelming majority of the Georgian populace.”

Surveys indicate that approximately 80% of Georgians support EU membership, and the aspiration for accession is enshrined in the nation’s constitution.

An open letter signed by 112 active Georgian diplomats denounced the government’s suspension of EU accession negotiations as unconstitutional. The interior ministry reported that 43 individuals were arrested during the protests on Thursday night.

A statement indicated that 32 police officers sustained injuries during the protest, where some demonstrators attempted to dismantle metal barriers outside the parliament.

CALL FOR ADDITIONAL PROTESTS

The Coalition for Change, the largest opposition party in the country, reported that two of its female leaders were assaulted by police during the demonstration, resulting in one suffering a broken hand and the other a broken nose.

“Today, our sole responsibility is to serve the nation, ensuring that we have a country tomorrow and a future for our children,” Nika Melia, another leader of the Coalition for Change, expressed on Facebook. He urged for renewed protests on Friday.

Despite being an EU candidate country, Georgia‘s relationship with Brussels has significantly worsened in recent months, with EU politicians accusing Tbilisi of adopting pro-Russian and authoritarian policies. Earlier this year, the EU announced that Georgia’s application had been put on hold due to new laws targeting “foreign agents” and restricting LGBT rights, which critics argue are severe and influenced by Moscow.

The government, which lacks diplomatic relations with Russia, defended the laws as necessary for safeguarding national security and upholding traditional societal values. Georgian Dream, perceived to be under the influence of its billionaire founder and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has sought to strengthen ties with Russia and China in recent years.

Georgian Dream declared victory in the October elections, securing nearly 54% of the votes; however, opposition parties alleged electoral fraud and declined to occupy their seats in parliament. The European Parliament voted on Thursday to withhold recognition of the October elections and called for sanctions against key figures within Georgian Dream.