In a significant setback for Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union (EU), the country's accession process has been temporarily halted, announced Paweł Herczyński, the EU's ambassador to Georgia. The decision comes just months after Georgia was granted candidate status by the bloc.

The move comes as a result of the international condemnation received by Georgia's ruling party, the Georgian Dream, over its introduction of a new law that designates Western-backed NGOs and media outlets as "foreign agents." Criticized for mirroring similar rules implemented by Russia to suppress dissent and stifle civil society, the legislation has triggered widespread protests in Georgia.

Protesters took to the streets by the tens of thousands to demonstrate against the bill, leading to clashes with riot police who resorted to using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. Authorities have also detained and physically abused opposition leaders. Both the EU and the United States have condemned this violence.

While the Georgian Dream argues that the laws are necessary to prevent foreign interference, the introduction of these regulations, along with another bill inspired by Moscow that seeks to strip LGBTQ+ individuals of their rights, has caused concern about the country's trajectory and its commitment to Western values.

In response to the situation, the United States has imposed sanctions on key Georgian Dream politicians, accusing them of undermining democracy in Georgia and hindering its progress towards EU membership. Brussels also expressed its concern following the enforcement of the "foreign agent" law, deeming it incompatible with membership requirements.

As a consequence of this decision, Georgia will also face the suspension of financial assistance provided through the European Peace Facility. With €30 million in payments on hold, sectors such as agriculture, winemaking, and other vital industries, which heavily rely on support from the EU and U.S. aid agencies, may suffer.

Paweł Herczyński expressed disappointment at the state of EU-Georgia relations, stating that they could have been at their highest point. The freeze on Georgia's membership process, coupled with the suspension of financial aid, reflects growing concerns surrounding human rights and the lack of progress on crucial reforms in the country.

It remains to be seen how Georgia will respond to these developments and whether it will take steps to address the shared concerns of the EU and the international community. For now, Georgia's path towards EU membership has been put on hold, casting uncertainty upon the future direction of the country's political and economic integration efforts.