EU may impose sanctions on Georgian Dream representatives Amid protests, suspension of EU integration

The European Union is reportedly considering sanctions against members of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party following mass protests and the suspension of the country’s EU integration process.

The statement by the EU new top diplomat Kaja Kallas, indicating that actions against protesters and the decision by the ruling party to halt EU accession talks could lead to consequences from the EU, has raised the possibility of sanctions, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

The upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers on December 16 would be a key opportunity for a decision to be made. However, another source suggested that sanctions could be proposed at any time, potentially even this week, and then approved later.

Georgia, which is a candidate country for EU membership, is expected to meet certain responsibilities, while the EU also bears responsibilities, particularly regarding its participation in and reaction to events in Georgia, the diplomats noted.

In addition to sanctions, the EU could also suspend the visa liberalisation agreement with Georgia, which was adopted in 2017 and allows Georgian citizens to stay in EU countries for up to three months without a visa. Reports indicate that the EU is increasingly inclined to adopt stronger measures to underscore the consequences of Tbilisi’s shift away from European integration.

On the evening of December 1, another anti-government rally erupted in front of the Georgian parliament, marking the fourth consecutive day of protests. The demonstrations continued throughout the night, culminating in clashes with riot police. The protests have been met with force, and Kallas condemned the violence against protesters and the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process.

By Vafa Guliyeva