The foreign ministries of EU member states, including Denmark, France, Norway, and Finland, are responding to the ongoing protests in Tbilisi, which were sparked by the decision of the illegitimate government of Georgia to suspend the country's European integration.
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Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has expressed concern about reports of excessive use of force against pro-European demonstrators and journalists in Georgia.
"Denmark is appalled by reports of the excessive use of violence against pro-European protesters and journalists in Georgia. Denmark stands firmly with the Georgian people. Their democratic, fundamental rights have to be respected," the minister said
France is "carefully observing" the situation in Georgia. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has expressed concern about reports of repression against demonstrators and journalists.
"We call for the respect of the right to peaceful demonstration. Fundamental freedoms, political pluralism, and civil society must be protected.
France, together with its European partners, will continue to maintain strong ties with the Georgian people and support their European aspirations," the ministry's statement reads.
Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, also expressed his support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people.
"I’m deeply disturbed by the use of brutal force against peaceful protesters and media workers in Georgia. I regret the Georgian government's decision to halt efforts for EU accession, a main vehicle for democracy reform," said the Norwegian diplomat.
"Georgia is Europe," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland, Elina Valtonen. She expressed disappointment with the Georgian government's decision to halt the EU accession process, which goes against the will of the people.
"We still see the Georgian people’s future in a free and democratic society. Strongly condemn any violent action against peaceful protesters," Valtonen's statement read.
On November 28, the illegitimate Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that, according to the decision of the Georgian Dream party, Georgia would not place the issue of opening EU accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028 and would refuse EU budget grants. The thousands of protests triggered by this decision were dispersed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, during which police forces violently attacked peaceful demonstrators and journalists. Over two days, 150 citizens were arrested during the protests.
