Washington– The United States has announced the suspension of its strategic partnership with Georgia after the country’s government decided to halt its EU accession talks. This move follows a decision by the pro-Russian political party Georgian Dream to suspend the negotiations, a step that US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller labeled as “a betrayal of the Georgian constitution.”
In a statement on the platform X, Miller explained that the decision was “contrary to the promise made to the Georgian people in their constitution to pursue full integration into the European Union and NATO.”
“The Georgian people overwhelmingly support integration with Europe,” the statement read. “By suspending the EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected closer ties with Europe, leaving Georgia vulnerable to the Kremlin.”
Additionally, the United States criticized the “excessive use of police force against Georgians exercising their rights to assemble and express themselves, including their freedom to peacefully protest.” The actions of Georgian Dream were described as “anti-democratic” and accused of undermining the fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
Tensions in Georgia have escalated in recent days. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protests and arrested over 100 people. The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to delay Georgia’s EU integration talks until 2028.
Opposition groups have also contested the results of the October parliamentary elections, which were won by Georgian Dream. Over 160 Georgian diplomats have condemned the government’s decision to postpone EU talks, stating that it violates the constitution and has led to the country’s international isolation. More than 100 schools and universities have suspended activities in protest.
Despite the setback, the Georgian government insists that it will continue its reforms and still plans to join the EU, but now aims for 2030.
