Denmark has suspended its four-year military cooperation with Georgia and is conducting a complete review of government support. This information was conveyed in a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark to Deputy Theona Akubardia, Deputy Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Georgian Parliament.
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The letter states that Denmark and Georgia will begin a four-year military cooperation in 2023 with a total budget of approximately 71.5 million Danish kroner (over 28 million GEL).
“In line with the June 2024 EU Council's decision to review the direct financial assistance to the Georgian authorities, including putting the disbursement under the European Peace Facility on hold, Denmark has decided to conduct a full review of our bilateral aid and assistance to the Georgian authorities.
While the review is ongoing, Denmark will put some planned activities and new programming support to the Georgian authorities on hold. Denmark calls on the Georgian government to return to the Euro-Atlantic path and adhere to the EU reform agenda, which is the foundation for strong bilateral ties between Denmark and Georgia,” the letter states.
As Teona Akubardia states, Georgian Dream is concealing from the people the difficult situation it has created for the country's sovereignty and defense capability. According to the deputy, in addition to closing the door to EU and NATO membership - foreign policy priorities guaranteed by Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution - the adoption of the Russian law has also significantly damaged the defense capability referred to in Article 70 of the Constitution.
"The United States reviewed its strategic partnership with Georgia and canceled the multinational military exercise Noble Partner. This was followed by the European Union freezing 30 million euros from the European Peace Fund and France and Germany requesting a review of their relations with Georgia. As a result, our army suffered significant damage, both in terms of reputation and material," said Akubardia.
Teona Akubardia shared information about the suspension of Danish military aid about a month ago and confirmed it today with a letter received from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Irakli Zarkua, a deputy from Georgian Dream, attempted to downplay Denmark's aid. "What 71 million, people? Our state defense budget has over a billion in funding. Now, by the Prime Minister's decision, we have added another 100 million. What, who... who will do sabotage, who is Denmark, and who is something. This should be on their conscience; otherwise, Georgian boys, our warriors, would have participated in all international missions," said Zarkua.
