The United Kingdom has suspended program support and restricted defense cooperation with the Georgian government, citing concerns over a departure from European democratic norms. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision on December 9, adding that engagement with Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream government will also be limited.
The move comes amid escalating protests in Georgia following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28 to suspend EU negotiations. Protesters have faced police brutality and attacks by masked groups, demanding renewed European integration and new parliamentary elections.
The European Union is also reviewing its stance on Georgia. EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński warned that the visa-free regime could be suspended due to recent violence. The EU had previously raised the possibility of revoking Georgia’s visa-free status earlier this year following the passage of the “foreign agents” law.
EU leaders will discuss the issue on December 16, and sanctions against ruling party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili are being considered. The EU has criticized the Georgian government’s actions as incompatible with existing agreements and privileges.