Georgia freezes negotiations to join EU until 2028, accuses bloc of 'blackmail'

Tbilisi, Nov 28 (EFE).- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobajidze announced on Thursday that the country would suspend the start of negotiations to join the European Union until 2028.

In Thursday’s statement, Kobajidze, who was confirmed head of government in a parliamentary session, said they have decided “not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028.”

“We must clearly show certain European politicians and bureaucrats, who are completely devoid of European values, that they must speak to Georgia with dignity, not through blackmail and insults,” he added.

The Georgian parliament on Thursday approved the composition of the new government, in which Irakli Kobajidze (C), aged 46, proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream, will be re-elected prime minister. November 28, 2024. EFE/Press Office of the Georgian Parliament / EDITORIAL USE ONLY / ONLY AVAILABLE FOR ILLUSTRATIONS (CREDIT REQUIRED)

The announcement came after the European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday rejecting the results of October’s parliamentary elections in Georgia and calling for new elections, as demanded by the Georgian opposition.

They also called for EU sanctions and restrictions on formal contacts with the Georgian government.

The Oct. 26 election was seen as a referendum on the country’s bid to join the European Union. The opposition said the vote was manipulated under the influence of Russia to keep Georgia in its circle and declared a boycott of parliament. EFE

mos/dgp/ics