The European Union is ramping up its efforts to hold Georgian officials accountable for recent actions against pro-European demonstrators. The latest round of discussions among EU foreign ministers revealed significant tensions, with Hungary and Slovakia blocking sanctions aimed at those involved in repressing protests. According to journalist Rikard Jozwiak from Radio Free Europe, this move, anticipated by many, raises questions about the EU's unified stance on human rights violations.
On December 15, Kaja Kallas, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs, urged members to impose sanctions against Georgian officials who have suppressed peaceful demonstrations. Kallas cited the heavy-handed approach of the Georgian government, which has seen increased violence and arrests of opposition members, as unacceptable for candidate countries aspiring to join the EU.
Reports indicate considerable unrest following the Georgian government’s announcement on November 28, when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared the country would suspend negotiations for EU membership until 2028. This decision sparked mass protests across Tbilisi, resulting in clashes with law enforcement. Demonstrators demanded the government reverse its stance and criticized the ruling party, Georgian Dream, for straying from its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
After the crackdown on protests, which included the use of tear gas and water cannons by police, Kallas and other EU diplomats have sought to galvanize support for punitive measures against those directly involved. While Kallas’s proposals received backing from several EU states, Hungary and Slovakia have resisted, emphasizing their political alliances with Georgian Dream and questioning the legitimacy of the protests.
Another component of the EU's response involved potentially suspending the visa-free travel agreement for Georgian passport holders. Kallas announced this decision, stating it could move forward without unanimous consent, marking another tactical shift within the EU to address violations. This decision highlights the serious concerns surrounding the treatment of pro-European activists and journalists, pointing toward broader issues of governance and the rule of law within Georgia.
This situation is compounded by recent developments within the Georgian political scene itself. Following allegations of electoral misconduct during October's parliamentary elections—which saw Georgian Dream maintain control—opposition parties have declared the elections illegitimate. Many citizens and civil society groups are now demanding new elections, seeing them as the only path to restoring democracy and accountability.
On December 14, the Georgian Electoral College elected Mikheil Kavelashvili as the new President, but many, including the sitting president, Salome Zourabichvili, have denounced the process as a farce, fueling public sentiment against the current government. Zourabichvili's calls for the need for legitimate electoral processes reflect wider discontent, which is evident on the streets where protests continue.
Reports from international observers, including the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), have noted significant irregularities during the elections. Allegations of voter intimidation and fraudulent practices have overshadowed the claims of those representing Georgian Dream, leading to heightened apprehension among voters and activists alike.
The EU is caught between its principles of promoting democracy and the realities of national geopolitics. Hungary and Slovakia's blocking of sanctions emphasizes the fractures within European unity, indicating just how difficult it can be to navigate foreign affairs when politics at home come with complicated ties and loyalties.
While negotiations will resume to explore various avenues for sanctions against Georgian officials, the high-stakes political maneuvering is likely to continue. The broader ramifications of Georgia's internal strife raise complex questions about its future as it seeks to align closer to European ideals against the backdrop of external pressures from Russia, which remains closely allied with the ruling government.
For Georgians, the stakes remain high as they continue to advocate for their right to choose their government and align with European values. The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as protests gain momentum and discussions around sanctions and EU relations intensify amid the growing fears of political authoritarianism.
