Parliamentary majority leader defends government’s decision on EU accession suspension

Mamuka Mdinaradze, leader of the parliamentary majority in Georgia, has responded to opposition protests against the ruling Georgian Dream party’s controversial decision to delay EU membership negotiations until 2028 and refuse EU budgetary grants during this period. Mdinaradze defended the decision, outlining its four main points and questioning the opposition’s objections.

Mdinaradze detailed the government’s plan, which he says aims to ensure Georgia’s readiness for full EU membership by 2030 while avoiding what he described as “constant political blackmail.” The plan includes the following commitments:

1. Fulfilling EU Obligations: The government will continue to implement obligations under the EU Association Agreement, aiming to achieve over 90% compliance by 2028.

2. Readiness by 2030: By 2030, Georgia will be among the most prepared candidate countries for EU membership.

3. Postponing Membership Negotiations: The government will not push for EU membership negotiations before 2028 to avoid external pressures and allow for steady reforms.

4. Rejecting EU Grants: To reduce dependency, Georgia will refuse EU budgetary grants and fund these costs independently.

Mdinaradze took to social media to challenge the opposition’s protests, asking which of these points they consider “anti-European” and demanding clarity on their specific objections.