Georgia's EU membership talks frozen, protests erupt
The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, criticized the decision to suspend talks on EU membership until 2028. He stated that "it goes against the will of the vast majority of Georgian people."
29 November 2024 14:44
"I think today we all woke up to a completely new reality. This is a very serious situation and as I understand it goes against the will of the vast majority of Georgian people and all pronouncements of the previous Georgian governments," - said the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, in an interview with InterpressNews. He was referring to the decision to suspend talks on membership in the European Union until 2028.
The diplomat recalled the words of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who two years ago in Tbilisi stated that "Georgia belongs to the European family." - For the two years of our work here, these very words guided us - added Herczyński.
He admitted that he is "very sad" about the Georgian government's decision, but emphasized that "Georgia is an independent state, and it decides whether it wants to pursue European integration."
Protests are ongoing in the country
When asked about the EU's steps towards Georgia, Herczyński replied that the issue will be discussed during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting at 10 AM Eastern Time on December 16th. According to him, all options are possible, including terminating the visa-free movement agreement between the EU and Georgia.
On Thursday evening, in downtown Tbilisi, clashes occurred during a protest against the government's decision. The authorities used batons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators. The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, participated in the protests.
