Georgian PM says ruling party has decided not to put issue of opening accession talks with EU on agenda until end of 2028

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said the ruling Georgian Dream party had decided not to put the issue of opening accession talks with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028.

In his statement, Kobakhidze stressed the Georgian Government would continue to move towards the European Union, and further added “however, we will not allow anyone to leave us in a state of constant blackmail and manipulation, which is completely insulting to our country and society”.

“Today we decided not to put the issue of opening accession talks with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We are also refusing any budgetary grants from the European Union until the end of 2028. The end of 2028 is the time when Georgia will be economically well prepared to open negotiations for accession to the European Union in 2030”, the PM said.

The Government head noted that the decision would make a “significant” contribution to the improvement of relations between Georgia and the European Union.

“We must clearly show the relevant European politicians and bureaucrats, who are completely devoid of European values, that they should not talk to Georgia using blackmail and insults, but with dignity. Using the issue of opening accession talks as a tool to divide and manipulate [domestic] public causes serious reputational damage to the EU in Georgia. Our decision today will prevent the EU from suffering this reputational damage in the future”, Kobakhidze continued.

The PM added that his Government would continue to fulfill the obligations stipulated in the Association Agenda and the Free Trade Agreement with the EU.