Georgian Dream party

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday Brussels had put forward a list of Georgians to sanction over a crackdown on pro-Western protesters, but Hungary was set to block the measures.

"We have proposed the list for sanctions for these people who are... using really force and violence against the opposition," Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi for a sixth consecutive night, protesting the government's suspension of negotiations on European Union accession. Riot police and special forces have continued to use water cannons, tear gas, and other means to disperse the crowds, often resulting in clashes marked by violence and mass arrests.

Georgian opposition supporters launch fireworks towards the police during a protest in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, 02 Dec. 2024.

Georgia's Health Ministry said on Tuesday that 26 people, mostly protesters, were injured in the latest night of anti-government protest in the Caucasus country.

Protests have continued to rock Georgia following the government's controversial decision to suspend its bid to join the European Union. Demonstrations began on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would halt EU accession talks for four years, triggering widespread anger.

Otar Berdzenishvili, the Georgian Ambassador to Bulgaria, has announced his resignation in response to the Georgian government's decision to freeze EU membership talks. In a post on social media, Berdzenishvili expressed his disappointment, citing the undermining of Georgia's EU integration efforts.

Protests erupted in Tbilisi after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a delay in the country's EU accession talks until 2028, sparking violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Riot police employed water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse crowds near Parliament.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said Thursday that while Tbilisi remains committed to its goal of European Union membership, it will not pursue accession until 2028, accusing Brussels of "blackmail".

Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party, led by Irakli Kobakhidze, has announced a suspension of its efforts to begin European Union accession negotiations until 2028. Kobakhidze explained that while EU membership remains a goal for 2030, Georgia will not engage in formal talks or accept any EU financial aid during this period.

Georgia's new parliament convened for its first session on Monday amid protests over an election the opposition says was rigged and after the pro-European president demanded the result be annulled.

Political turmoil has rocked the Black Sea nation since the Oct. 26 vote, won by the governing Georgian Dream party.

A partial ballot recount in Georgia's contested parliamentary election confirmed the ruling party won, electoral officials said on Thursday, after opposition parties alleged violations and Washington and Brussels demanded an investigation.