Business associations that are working in Georgia have condemned Georgian govermnet's decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, warning it risks squandering a key geopolitical opportunity. The associations criticized the move as undermining decades of work toward EU integration, isolating Georgia from Western partners, and threatening its economy, democracy, and security. They cautioned against the potential suspension of Georgia’s visa-free regime and highlighted long-term losses in investment, trade, and growth tied to EU membership. Calling EU integration a constitutional mandate and the will of the Georgian people, they urged the government to prioritize the country’s European future.
Joint Statement of Business Associations
"We strongly disagree with the decision of the Georgian Dream leadership to halt talks on the bid to join the European Union until 2028.
By aborting the EU accession process, Georgia is under a great risk to miss the window of opportunity to join the Union, which was created by recent geopolitical changes in the region.
Yesterday’s decision undermines the hard work laid by Georgian society for the purpose of the EU integration over the past decades and comes as a culmination, following months of downturn in relations with the EU. Moreover, this decision will further isolate Georgia from its long-term Western partners. These partnerships are crucial to Georgia’s economy, democracy and security.
As a business association, we are particularly aware of the economic impact this change is likely to have. In the short-term, this policy will have a significant negative economic impact and could result in the suspension of Georgia’s visa-free regime with the EU, which will negatively impact huge numbers of families.
Longer term, the impact will be even more profound. Every EU candidate country has seen huge increases in investment, trade and growth, as a result of EU membership. This has created remarkable improvements in the prosperity of their citizens and the opportunities for their children and grandchildren. By rejecting EU Accession, Georgia risks missing out on this opportunity to improve the lives of its citizens.
Georgia’s rightful return to the European family is a historical choice of generations of Georgian citizens and is backed by its Constitution. Rejecting that path goes against the wishes of the vast majority of the Georgian people.
We reiterate our unwavering support for Georgia’s European integration, which we consider as the ultimate path for the country’s sustainable development, prosperity and long-term stability,"- reads the statement.
EU-Georgia Business Council German Business Association
Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (DWV)
ICC Georgia
American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia
EBA
Georgia Georgian Farmer’s Association
Georgian Producers Federation
Georgian Distributors Business Association
Taxpayers Union
Georgian Restaurateurs Association
Georgian Hotels and Restaurants Federation
Institutional and Capacity Development Center
GTI Alliance
