Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would delay its pursuit of EU membership until 2028. This decision follows the European Parliament’s condemnation of Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, which it described as marred by significant irregularities.
Kobakhidze, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, accused the European Union of “blackmail” and declared that his government would not pursue EU membership in the immediate future. His remarks came after European lawmakers called for a re-run of last month’s election, citing widespread reports of vote buying, voter intimidation, and other irregularities. The European Parliament’s resolution marked a deepening of concerns over Georgia’s democratic health, which has been under scrutiny in recent years.
In a country with aspirations of joining the EU and forging closer ties with Western Europe, this development signals a growing rift between Georgia and its European partners. The ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been in power since 2012, has long faced accusations of steering the country away from its pro-European trajectory and towards a more Russia-friendly stance. Many critics contend that the party has undermined Georgia’s democratic institutions and stifled opposition voices, a claim that has gained traction following the election results.
The parliamentary elections held last month saw Georgian Dream declare victory, but the opposition has refused to recognize the results. Opposition parties have accused the government of orchestrating a fraudulent election and have called for a new vote to restore the legitimacy of the country’s political system. The Georgian president, Salome Zurabishvili, who has been an outspoken critic of the government, has also condemned the election, calling it “unconstitutional” and a step backward for Georgia’s democracy.
The European Parliament’s resolution reflects growing concern within the EU about the erosion of democratic practices in Georgia. The parliament specifically pointed to reports of vote buying, manipulation, and harassment of election observers, which it deemed indicative of a “worsening democratic crisis.” In response, Kobakhidze’s government has made it clear that it will not prioritize EU membership until the end of 2028, pushing back its previously ambitious timeline for accession.
Despite this setback, the Georgian government has pledged to continue implementing the necessary reforms for eventual EU integration. Kobakhidze stated that the government still aims to join the EU by 2030, but emphasized that it would be crucial for the EU to respect Georgia’s “national interests and traditional values” in the process.
The situation in Georgia has sparked widespread protests, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi. Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building, waving EU flags and chanting slogans against the ruling government. The protests, which have turned violent at times, reflect the deep frustration felt by many Georgians over what they perceive as a betrayal of their European future.
Protesters have set up barricades and clashed with riot police, who responded with pepper spray and water cannons. For many demonstrators, the election results are seen as a clear example of the Georgian Dream party undermining the will of the people. “Georgian Dream didn’t win the elections. It staged a coup,” said Shota Sabashvili, a 20-year-old protestor. “There is no legitimate parliament or government in Georgia. We will not let this self-proclaimed prime minister destroy our European future.”
As tensions continue to mount, the future of Georgia’s EU membership bid remains uncertain. With the country now facing significant internal divisions, it remains to be seen whether the government and opposition can find common ground or if Georgia’s European aspirations will be indefinitely delayed. For many, the next few years will be crucial in determining whether Georgia can regain its momentum on the path toward EU integration or whether it will continue to slide back into a closer embrace with Russia.
With EU membership now delayed until 2028, Georgia’s pro-European aspirations face an uncertain future, as political instability and tensions with the West threaten to reshape the country’s geopolitical trajectory.
