Georgia suspends EU talks until 2028, citing “blackmail” by Brussels after EU criticism of election irregularities sparks calls for sanctions and new polls.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Thursday that Georgia will suspend its European Union accession talks until 2028, accusing Brussels and the European Parliament of “blackmail” following criticism of the country’s October 26 parliamentary elections.
The announcement came just hours after the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution rejecting Georgia’s election results, citing “significant irregularities.” The resolution called for new elections under international supervision within a year and recommended sanctions against high-ranking Georgian officials, including Kobakhidze.
In a combative response, Kobakhidze dismissed the resolution as undue interference. “We have decided not to bring up the issue of joining the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028,” he said. Despite this suspension, he pledged to continue domestic reforms, claiming Georgia would be “more prepared than any other candidate country” for EU membership by 2030.
Strained Relations with Brussels
Georgia’s goal of EU membership is enshrined in its constitution, but relations with Brussels have soured in recent months. Although Georgia gained EU candidate status in December 2023, the European Union has since expressed concerns over a series of laws passed by the ruling Georgian Dream party. These include restrictions on “foreign agents” and LGBTQ rights, which critics argue are authoritarian and inspired by Russian policies.
The EU previously stated that Georgia’s application is effectively frozen, citing these developments as obstacles to membership.
Election Disputes and Allegations of Fraud
The October 26 parliamentary elections, which gave Georgian Dream nearly 54% of the vote, have been widely condemned both domestically and internationally. The European Parliament resolution highlighted “numerous and serious” violations, including voter intimidation, vote manipulation, and fraud. Opposition parties have rejected the results and initiated a boycott of parliamentary sessions, calling the elections a sham.
Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili has also condemned the election, deeming it “unconstitutional” and urging the Constitutional Court to annul the results. Meanwhile, a coalition of Georgian election monitors has claimed evidence of a large-scale electoral fraud scheme favoring Georgian Dream.
Georgian Dream has denied all allegations, insisting the elections were legitimate.
Calls for Sanctions and a New Election
European lawmakers in Strasbourg urged the EU to impose sanctions on key Georgian Dream officials, including Kobakhidze, Tbilisi Mayor and former footballer Kakha Kaladze, and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. The resolution also called for an international investigation into alleged electoral misconduct.
The EU’s demands for new elections and accountability have added to mounting pressure on the Georgian government, which has faced criticism for policies seen as undermining democratic norms.
What Lies Ahead
Kobakhidze insists that Georgia remains committed to its European future despite suspending accession talks. However, the escalating dispute with Brussels, coupled with domestic unrest and opposition boycotts, places Georgia at a crossroads.
As international scrutiny intensifies, the question remains whether Georgia can reconcile its internal political challenges and strained relations with the EU to maintain its European trajectory—or if its democratic backsliding will lead to greater isolation.
Protests against the election results and government policies continue to grow, drawing larger crowds across Georgia.
A trilateral meeting between the representatives of the foreign ministries of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia was held in Tbilisi, where the sides discussed prospects for regional stability and cooperation.
The presidents of Azerbaijan and Georgia held talks in Baku, reaffirming their centuries-old friendship, strategic partnership, and commitment to regional peace, stability and cooperation.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
On April 25, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu to discuss the South Caucasus, peace talks with Armenia, and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Aliyev emphasized dismantling the OSCE Minsk Group and securing Azerbaijan’s sovereignty.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
The World Food Programme has warned that its food supplies in Gaza have run out, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk as charity kitchens face imminent shutdown.
Download the AnewZ app
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment