EU membership talks halted as Georgia faces unrest
The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, criticised the decision to suspend talks on EU membership until 2028. He stated "it goes against the will of the vast majority of Georgian people."
29 November 2024 10:54
"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, 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 declared 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 emphasised that "Georgia is an independent sovereign country and it is for Georgians to decide if they want to go toward the European Union or go somewhere else."
Protests are ongoing in the country
When asked about the steps the EU will take towards Georgia, Herczyński replied that the matter will be discussed during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on 16 December at 00:00 GMT. He noted that all options are possible, including terminating the visa-free movement agreement between the EU and Georgia.
On Thursday evening, clashes occurred in the centre of Tbilisi 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.
