Georgian diaspora in Estonia protests suspension of EU integration negotiations

On December 2, members of the Georgian diaspora in Estonia gathered in front of the Georgian Embassy in Tallinn to express solidarity with their compatriots protesting in Georgia. The demonstration was a response to the Georgian government’s decision to suspend EU accession negotiations until 2028, a move that has sparked widespread unrest.

Valerian Goguadze, a demonstrator and teacher in Tallinn, emphasized the diaspora’s unwavering support for the ongoing protests in Georgia.

“We stand with the thousands of Georgians fighting for our country’s European future in Tbilisi and other cities. People in Georgia want to protest and strike peacefully, but the pro-Russian government suppresses their voices. Many have been brutally beaten by police in Tbilisi, which is unacceptable,” he said.

On November 29, Georgian House, an umbrella association of Georgian cultural organizations in Estonia, issued an ultimatum to Georgia’s Ambassador to Estonia, Zurab Khamashuridze. They called on him to distance himself from the Georgian government’s anti-Western policies by December 2, warning that failure to do so would result in severing cooperation with the embassy.

In a statement released on December 2, Georgian House announced its decision to terminate relations with the embassy. The statement highlighted the growing dissent within Georgia’s diplomatic corps, noting that hundreds of Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees, including ambassadors, have publicly opposed the Georgian Dream government’s decision. However, Ambassador Khamashuridze had remained silent and failed to engage with the diaspora.

“It is deeply painful for Georgian House and its members to halt relations with Georgia’s representation after decades of cooperation. Yet, under these circumstances, we see no other path forward. Our actions will always prioritize the best interests of our homeland,” the statement read.

Aleksandre Chanadiri, a Georgian House representative, expressed regret over ending the long-standing partnership.

“After 30 years of cooperation and numerous joint projects with the Georgian Embassy, it is heartbreaking to sever all ties. Despite the incredible work we achieved together, their disregard and silence have left us no choice. From this point on, the Georgian community will no longer collaborate with the embassy,” he stated.