Georgia Suspends EU Accession Talks, Aims for 2030 Membership
In a bold move, Georgia has decided to pause its negotiations to join the European Union. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Thursday that the country will reject any EU budgetary grants until the end of 2028. He stated that by 2030, Georgia aims to be economically ready to start EU accession talks on its own terms.
“Our goal is to make Georgia an EU member in 2030, and we will spare no efforts to achieve this,” Kobakhidze declared. “We don’t see EU integration as a favor that the European Union should grant us.”
The Prime Minister accused the EU of using membership negotiations as an “instrument of blackmail,” referring to past challenges in obtaining EU aspirant status. Despite stepping back from negotiations, Kobakhidze assured that Georgia will honor all its commitments under the Association Agreement with the EU—without financial support from the EU.
This announcement follows a critical resolution from the European Parliament, which described Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections as “another manifestation of the country’s democratic decline.” The resolution claimed the elections were neither free nor fair, calling for them to be re-run under international supervision.
Georgia’s decision marks a significant shift in its approach to EU membership. By focusing on strengthening its economy independently, the nation hopes to negotiate from a position of greater strength by 2030. The journey ahead is uncertain, but Georgia’s resolve signals a new chapter in its relationship with Europe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
