Sweden suspends direct cooperation with Georgia amid political concerns

Sweden has announced the suspension of all direct cooperation with Georgian authorities. 

The decision was conveyed by Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa as he was interviewed by Swedish media, Caliber.Az reports.

The minister cited the current political climate in Georgia as the reason for this halt, particularly highlighting concerns over cooperation between tax authorities, which he deemed inappropriate at this time.

Dousa expressed doubt that official cooperation would resume unless Georgia "moves closer" to the European Union, a prospect he considers unlikely given the ruling party's tightening grip on power.

Despite the suspension of direct collaboration, Sweden plans to allocate 25 million kronor (over €2 million) to support Georgia's civil society initiatives through the end of 2024.

This funding aims to bolster democratic engagement and civil rights within the country during this challenging period.

By Vafa Guliyeva