Tbilisi, Georgia - Georgia was shaken by widespread protests after the government announced its decision to suspend its application for European Union (EU) membership. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Salome Zourabichvili and her government.

Georgia has been working towards EU membership for over a decade. The country has implemented significant reforms and has met several of the requirements for accession. However, last week, the government announced that it would put its EU application on hold due to concerns over Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

The decision sparked massive public outrage. Many Georgians see the EU as a guarantor of democracy, stability, and economic prosperity. They fear that putting EU hopes on hold could lead to a setback in the country's development.

The government has defended its decision, arguing that the security risks posed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine are too great to ignore. Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated, "We cannot jeopardize our country's security for the sake of EU membership."

Foreign policy experts have expressed concern over the impact of Georgia's decision. Svante Cornell, Director of the Institute for Security and Development Policy, said, "This is a missed opportunity for Georgia. Suspension of EU integration could undermine democratic development and stability."

Opposition parties have seized on the public anger, calling for the government's resignation. They have accused the government of abandoning Georgia's European aspirations and caving in to Russian pressure. Nika Melia, leader of the National Movement Party, said, "This is a betrayal of our people. We will not rest until this government is overthrown."

It remains unclear how the protests will affect the government's decision or the EU's stance towards Georgia. The EU has expressed its disappointment but has not ruled out future enlargement. The Georgian government has vowed to continue its reforms, but the country's EU hopes now seem uncertain.

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