Georgian Dream’s decision not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028, means, in fact as well as formally, a change in Georgia’s foreign policy direction, and a final rejection of the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, is direct contradiction with Georgia’s national interests and the Constitution which stipulates in Article 78 that the Georgian government must take “all measures to ensure Georgia’s full integration into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.”
As a result of a series of unfair, repressive laws recently adopted by the ruling party, a disinformation campaign against the West, and economic and political rapprochement with Russia as well as other authoritarian regimes, Georgia’s integration into the European Union has stopped, its NATO membership has been removed from the agenda, and Georgia’s strategic partnership with the United States of America has been undermined. These developments were followed by the 2024 parliamentary elections conducted with blatant and widespread violations of international democratic standards.
The official rejection of the pro-Western foreign policy by Bidzina Ivanishvili and his party as well as the attempt to strengthen authoritarianism will lead to Georgia’s isolation from the West and its return into the Russian sphere of influence, which poses a direct threat to the country’s independence and sovereignty.
We are deeply convinced that the preservation of Georgia’s independence and freedom is possible only through the democratic development of the country and its accession to European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. Therefore, we strongly condemn and protest the unacceptable decision of the ruling party, which is directed against the historical choice of the Georgian people and is tantamount to collaboration with the occupier, Russia.
As an organization that has served Georgia’s national interests and pro-Western foreign policy since its foundation, we will continue to fight to ensure that Georgia is not cut off from Western civilization and does not fall under Russia’s domination.
