Russian Intelligence: EU funding protests in Georgia via Armenia

The European Union is allegedly financing protests in Georgia through its embassies in Armenia, according to a statement from Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

Russian intelligence service claims that the EU delegation in Georgia is providing up to 120 euros for each participant in anti-government protests, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Additionally, Brussels is reportedly attempting to foster anti-government sentiment within Georgia by targeting bloggers, journalists, IT specialists, and Russian nationals who have relocated to the country.

The intelligence service noted that bloggers could be allocated as much as 50,000 euros for their involvement in these efforts. "European officials seek to intensify protests and unite opposition parties against the ruling 'Georgian Dream' party," the statement from the Russian special services added.

Note that, relations between Georgia and the EU deteriorated in 2024, with Tbilisi increasingly becoming the target of criticism from EU leaders due to its decisions.

Protests began in Georgia on October 28, 2024, after preliminary results from the October 26 parliamentary election indicated a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party. Demonstrators, accusing the elections of fraud, called for a recount and new elections. The protests also focused on the controversial 2024 Presidential Election, which was won by Mikheil Kavelashvili, the only candidate on the ballot.

Tensions escalated in November when the Georgian government announced that it would suspend the European Union accession process until 2028, contradicting its previous promises. This decision came amid high public support for EU membership.

Violence broke out between protesters, police, and pro-government groups, with reports of torture and abuse against demonstrators and journalists. Social media posts revealed evidence of violence by government-affiliated groups, and the Public Defender of Georgia described the injuries inflicted as acts of torture.

On February 13, 2025, the European Parliament condemned both the parliamentary and presidential election results, declaring them illegitimate. The EU also called for sanctions against senior Georgian officials, including oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is accused of undermining democratic processes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev