EU must decide what it wants from Georgia, says ex-ambassador

The European Union must decide what it really wants from Georgia, former head of Georgian mission to the EU Natalie Sabanadze tells Radio Schuman.

According to Sabanadze, currently a senior research fellow at the international affairs think tank Chatham House, the EU should react to the recently re-elected Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend EU accession talks.

Last week, thousands of Georgians protested in the capital Tbilisi, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his government would suspend EU membership talks until the end of 2028 and reject EU funds. The demonstrations turned violent, with police detaining and beating many protesters.

Tbilisi has been in turmoil since the ruling Georgian Dream party took control of parliament following the contested 26 October election, which the opposition deemed rigged. Kobakhidze’s announcement sparked renewed unrest, though the EU reacted cautiously. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed regret over Kobakhidze’s decision, condemned the police violence, and warned of “direct consequences” for Georgia. While sanctions are being discussed, the EU has not yet announced any specific retaliatory measures.