U.S. Suspends Strategic Partnership with Georgia Amid Protests Over 2028 EU Accession Halt

Nov 30, 2024, 08:27 PM

The United States has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia in response to the Georgian Dream party's decision to halt the country's accession process to the European Union until 2028. This decision, seen as a betrayal of Georgia's constitutional commitment to pursue EU integration, has led to widespread protests in Georgia. The U.S. State Department, through spokesperson Matthew Miller, condemned the use of excessive force against protesters and described the move as a violation of the core tenets of the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership, which was based on shared values and commitments to democracy and respect for human rights. Western partner countries and members of the European Parliament have issued statements supporting the Georgian citizens protesting this decision, viewing the EU as a bulwark against Kremlin influence. The suspension of the partnership reflects a significant strain in U.S.-Georgia relations and raises concerns about Georgia's democratic path and geopolitical direction.