The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced that the country is suspending discussions on opening negotiations with the European Union regarding membership until 2028.
His statement is quoted by ambebi.ge.
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Kobakhidze claims that the initiation of negotiations is being "used for blackmail and societal division just as the candidate status was previously used."
“We have decided not to place the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We also refuse any budget grants from the European Union until the end of 2028,” he stated.
“It is categorically unacceptable to view integration into the European Union as a favor,” the Prime Minister added.
Recall that the European Union suspended the accession process for Georgia last summer after the adoption of the "foreign agents" law. The bloc also froze 30 million euros intended to support the country in the defense sector.
In October, the European Council confirmed that the country's accession process is on hold. However, the EU outlined conditions for resuming Eurointegration for Georgia.