Following Georgia’s decision to suspend EU membership negotiations, protests have erupted across the country, drawing condemnation from both domestic and international groups, including businesses, educational institutions, and foreign governments.
(Tbilisi) – On November 28, protests erupted across Georgia after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would suspend its negotiations for European Union membership until at least 2028. The decision marked a significant shift in Georgia’s foreign policy, as critics argue it signals a pivot toward Russia, reversing the nation’s aspirations for deeper ties with the West. The protests, which began peacefully, turned violent when riot police in Tbilisi used water cannons and force to disperse demonstrators.
This decision follows a tense political climate in Georgia, which has seen growing discontent with the ruling Georgian Dream party. The party’s increasing alignment with Moscow has raised concerns about the erosion of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which had been central to the country’s policy since it first expressed interest in joining the EU in 2008.
The protests began on October 26, when allegations of electoral fraud surrounded the disputed victory of the Georgian Dream party in the parliamentary elections. Although the protests remained largely peaceful, they escalated on November 28 when riot police clashed with demonstrators in Tbilisi, detaining and beating many, though the exact number of arrests is unclear.
As protests continue in Tbilisi and other Georgian cities, opposition to the Georgian Dream’s policies is growing in both the streets and professional sectors. Over 13 business associations in Georgia have condemned the government’s decision, stating that halting EU negotiations puts the country at risk of missing out on opportunities to improve the lives of its citizens. The associations stressed the importance of European integration for the future of Georgia’s economy and its people.
The backlash also extends to the education sector. More than 220 employees from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs have signed a joint statement opposing the government’s decision, arguing it contradicts Georgia’s strategic interests. The protest has spread to universities, with some institutions suspending academic activities to support the movement. The University of Georgia issued a statement saying, “There are moments in the life of the country when you have to put everything aside… We believe that today everyone’s first duty is to return Georgia to the European future.”
In addition to the business and education sectors, members of Georgia’s diplomatic corps have also joined the protests. Otar Berdzenishvili, Georgia’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, resigned in protest of the government’s decision, stating that Georgian diplomats’ efforts to further Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration should not be undermined. More than 40 employees of the Defense Ministry have also issued statements, arguing that European and Euro-Atlantic integration is vital for strengthening Georgia’s security and sovereignty.
The protests have drawn significant international attention. Ukrainian officials condemned Georgia’s decision, with Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling it “evidence of the curtailment of democratic processes in favor of Moscow.” Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, also criticized the move, calling it a final confirmation of the Georgian government’s failure to uphold its promises to the Georgian people regarding their European future.
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