Georgian authorities reaffirm commitment to EU membership amid protests

The ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party asserts that the recent protests that have swept Tbilisi and other cities are based on falsehoods. 

The Georgian authorities have stated that they are not abandoning negotiations for the country’s EU membership, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

The wave of protests began after the Georgian government’s decision on November 28 to postpone discussions on opening EU membership negotiations until 2028, citing the issue being used as a tool for political leverage. However, the authorities clarified that they will continue working to fulfil the commitments under the Association Agreement, as this is crucial for the country’s preparedness for EU membership.

"They are trying to deceive the public and place at the head of this misled society an exalted, radical group that is prepared to do anything. They are using violence against the police, attempting to burn down the parliament building. The most important thing is that this is all based on lies," MP representing the Georgian Dream party David Matikashvili said.

To join the EU, Georgia must fulfill its commitments under the Association Agreement, and when negotiations begin, it will take about a year and a half to two years to complete them, Deputy Head of the Georgian Dream faction Levan Machavariani said.

"Therefore, when we set this issue on the agenda for 2028, we are fully in line with all the timelines. The EU itself has a stated position that it does not plan to expand until 2030," he noted.

As a result, Machavariani is confident that by 2030, Georgia will be the most prepared country among other candidates. 

"I would like to emphasise that we are not rejecting the start of negotiations if the EU raises this issue. Let them present the document, and the prime minister will sign it immediately," Machavariani added. 

On December 1, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated at a briefing that he is ready to sign a document initiating negotiations for Georgia's EU membership as soon as the EU presents it. He made this remark while addressing EU's Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski. The prime minister said that false claims are being actively spread and repeated in the country, asserting that the Georgian authorities have halted the process of European integration. 

The prime minister emphasised that it is both shameful and concerning that the EU ambassador has become involved in the disinformation campaign being led by radical opposition groups and their associated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media.

By Naila Huseynova