Germany Calls for Suspension of Georgia’s EU Membership Process Amid Anti-European Policies

Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, has proposed that the European Union initiate discussions to formally suspend Georgia’s membership process. This recommendation arises from concerns over the Georgian government’s anti-European stance and the violence directed against pro-European demonstrators.

In an interview with Deutschland, Baerbock criticized Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, accusing it of halting the country’s EU accession process through its anti-European policies. “In the EU, we should now discuss the formal suspension of the Georgian membership process due to the increasingly authoritarian policy being pursued by Georgian Dream,” the Federal Foreign Office stated.

Baerbock stressed that the EU’s decision to grant Georgia candidate status in December 2023 came with clear expectations for reform. However, she expressed alarm over Georgia’s perceived regression, describing it as a troubling move away from progress.

In response to these developments, the German Foreign Office has scaled back its cooperation with Georgian authorities, suspending support projects worth €200 million. “Germany is also discussing further measures with its EU partners. These range from the withdrawal of visa-free travel for Georgian officials to targeted sanctions,” Baerbock added.

EU Commission Proposes Visa-Free Travel Suspension

The ongoing unrest in Georgia, marked by nearly a month of protests, follows Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to postpone EU membership talks until 2028.

In response, the European Commission has proposed partially suspending the EU-Georgia visa-free travel agreement. If the proposal is approved by the Council, Georgian diplomats, officials, and their family members would need to apply for visas to enter EU countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

However, the Commission clarified that the measure would not affect Georgian nationals with ordinary passports, who would still enjoy visa-free travel for short-term visits to EU countries.

“This proposal is a response to the violent repression by the Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, politicians, and independent media, which started after the authorities announced on November 28 to no longer pursue the opening of negotiations with the EU until 2028,” the European Commission stated.

If the Council approves the proposal, the new rules would require EU member states to impose visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service, and special passports issued by Georgia.

The combined actions of Germany and the European Commission highlight the growing discontent within the EU over Georgia’s political direction and its treatment of pro-European demonstrators, raising serious questions about the country’s future in the bloc.

By fLEXI tEAM