Georgia’s prime minister says the country will suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in view of what he described as “blackmail and manipulation” from some EU politicians.

Georgia is pausing its efforts to join the European Union for four years, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on Thursday, citing “blackmail and manipulation” from certain EU politicians. This decision has sparked outrage among the opposition and led to fresh protests.

The European Parliament condemned the election results as "neither free nor fair" and blamed the ruling party for Georgia's continued democratic backsliding. In a resolution, lawmakers called for a rerun under international oversight and urged the EU to impose sanctions and limit formal engagement with Georgia's government.