Notice
This is a developing story, and updates are being made as events continue to unfold. Please check back regularly for the latest information. Thank you for your understanding.
On November 28, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the government would not begin negotiations on joining the European Union until 2028. Kobakhidze further claimed that European politicians were using grants and loans allocated to Georgia as leverage for blackmail.
This statement sparked a new wave of protests in Tbilisi, which coincided with ongoing demonstrations against the election results. Police forces were deployed to disperse the protesters, resulting in injuries among both demonstrators and media representatives.
In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement and the subsequent crackdown on the protests, several businesses in Georgia’s private sector expressed their condemnation:
TBC
“TBC, as a leading financial institution in Georgia and a company listed on the London Stock Exchange, has always and will continue to stand guard over Georgia’s national interests throughout its 32-year history.
Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic future is the historic choice of the overwhelming majority of our people, as enshrined in Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia. We believe that suspending European integration contradicts the will of the Georgian people and the Constitution.
TBC has always been, and remains, an unwavering supporter of Georgia’s European integration. We stand by the Georgian people fighting for freedom and a European future and strongly condemn violence against peaceful demonstrators.
#Together we will win for Georgia”
Bank of Georgia
“For Bank of Georgia, a name with special significance, there is no alternative to our country’s European path.
On the path to Europe – don’t stop!”
Adjara Group
Georgia’s aspiration toward Europe is enshrined in the Constitution, which reflects the ideals of freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights—values that are a part of our history.
The Georgian people and businesses naturally share these values. Proximity to Europe is the only path to our stability and development. We firmly support Georgia’s European integration and strongly condemn any violence.
Tegeta Holding
“At Tegeta Holding, for nearly 30 years, we have always viewed business development through the lens of national progress.
We believe that the current crisis harms the future of the country and jeopardizes our common goal of achieving a European future for Georgia.
Violence against citizens in any form is unacceptable. It is the duty of every Georgian to protect the Constitution and to leverage the opportunities that the Western world offers for our country.
Forward, towards Europe!”
GPI Holding
“We, as a European company, fully support Georgia’s path to Western integration, as defined by the Constitution of Georgia.
We particularly condemn the violence against media representatives and peaceful demonstrators, as it contradicts the principles of freedom of speech and expression, which are the foundation of European values. The European choice is the guarantor of our country’s security and prosperity. Every step that hinders us on this path contradicts Georgia’s national interests and vision of the future.”
Silk Road Group
“We, the companies of the Silk Road Group, support our country’s aspiration to join the European Union.
We believe that Georgia should not deviate from the constitutional order and remain in the European space. Refusing this path means rejecting freedom, progress, and the future.
No violence against peaceful protesters.”
MagtiCom
“MagtiCom categorically condemns the violence against the people gathered to defend Georgia’s European future and remains committed to the course defined by Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia.
There is no alternative to the path of our country’s European integration.
Georgia’s future lies in Europe!”
ALTA
“Georgia’s European integration is our historic choice! We condemn violence and stand on the side of a free and European future. #PowerisinEurope”
Europroduct
“Europe and European values have a special meaning for Europroduct! This is reflected in the company’s name.
Europe is the historic choice of the Georgian people!
We condemn violence and stand with the Georgian people and their European future!
Forward to Europe!”
GT Group
Clinic Curatio
“We, the employees of Clinic Curatio, support the European integration of our country, which is defined by the Constitution of Georgia. The statement made on November 28 contradicts Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia and does not correspond to the historical aspirations of the country.
We share the spirit of the ongoing protest events in Georgia. We condemn the violence directed against peaceful citizens, including women, children, journalists, and doctors.
Clinic Curatio is ready to provide free medical services to our compatriots affected by the protests.
Georgia’s future is in Europe!”
Pineo Medical Ecosystem
“We, doctors and medical personnel, have been standing guard over human health for years. We have saved many lives, which is supported by European education and the sharing of experience. Our path leads to Europe. This involves building a European education system, European healthcare, and European experience, which will further improve patient care with the latest methods and their ultimate recovery.
We believe that yesterday’s statement on Georgia’s removal from the agenda of EU accession negotiations until 2028 does not align with the country’s strategic interests and contradicts Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia.
Accordingly, within the framework of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia, we declare that we remain committed to Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration.”
University of Georgia
“There are moments in the life of a country when everything must be put aside…
Due to the situation in the country, we are suspending our studies.
We believe that today everyone’s primary duty is to return Georgia to the path of a European future.
We firmly believe that restoring Georgia’s trajectory toward a European future is the foremost responsibility of every citizen today. 🇬🇪🇪🇺
In light of this, the University of Georgia has initiated the #Disaffiliate Challenge, accompanied by a 200,000-GEL fund. This fund will provide one-year compensation to brave civil servants who publicly renounce the obstruction of Georgia’s European integration process and, as a result of their principled stand, find themselves compelled to leave their positions.
We encourage companies with a patriotic vision to join this initiative and support these courageous individuals to the best of their ability. Together, we can uphold the values that define Georgia’s European future.”
GIPA
GIPA, as a university committed to the idea of democracy and freedom, has supported the will of the Georgian nation to become a full member of the European family since its foundation.
The university temporarily suspends the educational process!
Millennium School
“Now is the time to say everything out loud!
At Millennium School, we are convinced that with today’s political events, by saying no to European integration, we are saying no to students, to their free future, where they will be able to express their individualism and aspirations, and we are saying no to their future.
And if the future of students is in doubt, then our daily activities also lose their meaning!”
Newton Free School
“Newton Free School condemns and protests the unconstitutional processes taking place in the country!
Our primary value is the freedom and future of our students, which is why we join all rightful initiatives of protest.
Freedom above all!”
Green School
“Given the current situation in the country, we would like to inform you that our school remains committed to the Constitution of Georgia and supports the ongoing resistance movement.
We believe that the European path and educational values are indispensable for the progress of the country.
We stand with every citizen who expresses their opinion in the fight for a brighter future for Georgia.
In light of this, we have decided to temporarily suspend the educational process to protect the fundamental right of every citizen: the freedom of expression.
Our doors remain open to all students who wish to come to school.”
International Academy Logos
“Our school has always stood for progress, freedom, and unity—values that unite us at Logos!
We support the right of our students, employees, parents, and all citizens to live in a country where their fundamental rights are protected. Therefore, we condemn violence and support peaceful protests that aim to protect democratic values and human rights.
Since its founding, Logos has aimed to educate young people to understand their own capabilities, develop self-awareness, and achieve self-realisation. Our students are prepared to continue their careers at the international level, with many enrolling in leading universities in Georgia, Europe, and America. Many return to contribute to the development of Georgia’s public and private sectors, while others serve in international organisations and contribute to global change.
Logos firmly believes that Georgia’s development should be based on integrating Georgian and Western values and experiences. We believe we must adhere to the country’s Constitution and remain committed to European integration.”
European School
“Since its founding, the European School has been committed to offering students a new path to Europe, grounded in national values. Our students learn, grow, and strive to embody European ideals.
Freedom, equality, freedom of expression, and justice are at the heart of our mission and the guiding principles of our students’ lives. We have nurtured generations of leaders who are now shaping society and driving the future of our country.
The European School remains steadfast in its commitment to Georgia’s European future, more than ever.”
Golden Tulip Design Tbilisi
“Georgia’s future is being decided now!
The violence directed against rally participants in recent days is unacceptable.
We stand firm in our position that there is no alternative to Georgia’s path to European integration.
Forward to Europe! Georgia will prevail!”
ProCredit Bank Georgia
“We would like to address the current events in the country and express the position of ProCredit Bank.
We unequivocally support Georgia’s European future and its aspiration to the West, which has been the country’s priority since independence and is reflected in the Constitution of Georgia. At the same time, we affirm that the free expression of peaceful activism is a fundamental right of citizens and should not be violated—especially through violent means.
ProCredit Bank, an international financial institution founded in Germany, has been operating in Georgia for 25 years and has played an active role in the development of Georgian business and the economy.
Our European values align with the country’s long-term development goals.”
BDO Georgia Statement
“We find the government’s decision to delay EU accession negotiations until 2028 unacceptable. Georgia’s path toward Europe, solidified by the granting of EU candidate status last December, reflects the historic will of the Georgian people, a will they have fought for throughout their history to ensure a genuine, organic connection with Europe, as expressed in Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia.
We strongly condemn the brutal violence against peaceful protesters. Attacks on defenceless individuals, their persecution, beatings, and brutality are categorically unacceptable in any society that aspires to democracy.”
VELI.store
The fight for freedom is the responsibility of each of us.
We stand by you and will always stand by you.
Leavingstone
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude and immense pride to our employees, colleagues, and fellow freelancers who are standing on Rustaveli and protecting the future of the country at the risk of injury and arrest.
We categorically reject the actions of the current regime.
We demand an immediate end to the punitive hunt for peaceful individuals, the punishment of criminals, the release of those unjustly detained, fair elections, and the return of the country to the Euro-Atlantic path.
Georgia will never become Russia!
Our future is in Europe!”
CEMS
CEMS responds to the ongoing events in the country and condemns all forms of violence!
We believe that our successful future lies in Europe!
SPAR Georgia
“SPAR Georgia, as part of an international brand, fully shares European values and the aspiration of our nation to become a full member of the European family.
We thank our employees working at the epicenter for their courage and professionalism, as well as the participants of the demonstration, who peacefully express their support for a European future. We firmly believe that our path is to Europe!
With love and responsibility, we are at your service!”
Gastronom Group
“Gastronom Group has stood for European values since its founding.
On behalf of every member of our team, we declare that there is no alternative to Georgia’s European future!
We categorically condemn the brutal violence against peaceful protesters!”
Pulse
“Pulse Company condemns any manifestation of violence and violation of national and constitutional values!
We are, and will always be, supporters of a European Georgia!”
Balance
“The government’s decision to suspend accession negotiations with the European Union until 2028 is unacceptable for the Balance team. The historic choice of the Georgian nation, reinforced by Article 78 of the Constitution, has no alternative.
We also categorically condemn the brutal violence against peaceful protesters. There is no place for violence in a society striving for democracy and development.”
PMCG
“The decision taken by the Georgian government to remove the issue of opening accession negotiations with the European Union from the agenda until the end of 2028 is completely unacceptable and provocative. This decision significantly damages Georgia’s political and economic positions, exposing the country to potential isolation.
The long-term and strong support of our international partners is essential for Georgia’s progress and sustainable development. Dialogue and cooperation with them must be ongoing, through all available channels.
We join the protest against this decision and call on the authorities to fully recognize their responsibility for the ongoing political processes, prevent violence against protesters, cease the intolerant attitude toward dissent, and ensure the protection of democratic principles through all possible mechanisms.
Georgia’s European perspective is non-negotiable, and continuing on this path is an unconditional fulfillment of our country’s national interests and the will of the people.”
GEC Consulting
“The government’s decision to postpone the start of accession negotiations with the European Union until 2028 is unacceptable. This step contradicts the historical will of the Georgian people and the European choice guaranteed by the Constitution.
Moving toward Europe is a fundamental aspiration of our nation, and any concession on this path is unacceptable. Violence against peaceful protesters is equally unacceptable. Everyone who continues to fight for their opinion is helping shape the future of the country.
Our European perspective is irreplaceable. We call on the government to approach the current situation responsibly, prevent violence, respect differing opinions, and ensure the protection of democratic principles.
Close cooperation and joint work with international partners are essential for Georgia’s progress.”
Zedazeni
“Georgia’s European path reflects the historical will of its people, enshrined in the Constitution, and the government must serve this purpose.
We strongly condemn all forms of violence, cruelty, and oppression, including beatings, housebreaking, mass arrests, and the persecution of dissent. These actions are categorically unacceptable in a democracy. Georgia’s future is in Europe!”
Free University of Tbilisi and Agrarian University of Georgia
“We, as participants in the ongoing legitimate and fair protest, condemn the violence against the Georgian people and express solidarity with all those affected and arrested, many of whom are our students, graduates, and employees.
We are confident that the struggle will bear fruit and we will reclaim our Euro-Atlantic future.”
The Kakha Bendukidze Knowledge Foundation will assist students, lecturers, and employees of Free and Agrarian Universities in paying administrative fines incurred during the ongoing protests.
IT Industry Representatives
“As members of the Information Technology (IT) sector, a profession born from the latest advancements, we believe it is crucial to be part of a progressive, developed world.
We condemn:
- Excessive force against protesters
- Illegal detentions
- Intimidation and criminal actions by the de facto government
We call for the release of those detained during the protests and for the right of Georgian citizens to democratically choose their future, with privacy and without interference.
Georgia has always belonged to Europe, and we are confident it will soon be a full member of the European Union.”
Shio Khetsuriani, CEO of Archi
Such retaliation against the people is unacceptable and senseless!
Setanta Sports Georgia
“Setanta Sports will continue broadcasting in Georgia without commentary, as it is emotionally, psychologically, and physically difficult for us to ignore the current events.
We stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens, friends, and colleagues who sincerely believe in and advocate for Georgia’s Western future.”
Europop
Given the ongoing situation in our country, we can no longer operate as usual. Covering sports news in this context feels inadequate and morally impossible.
We condemn the violence! Georgia’s future is solely in Europe.
Nabeglavi
“JSC Tskali Margebeli has proudly maintained a 27-year history as a pioneer in introducing Western culture to the Georgian national industry.
As a successful example of Georgian-European joint business, we believe suspending cooperation with Europe is categorically unacceptable.
We condemn all violence against citizens advocating for a better future and the establishment of Western values. Our commitment to the course set by Article 78 of the Constitution of Georgia remains unwavering.”
Bokhua Cardiovascular Center
The N. Bokhua Medical Center and its staff express full solidarity with the people of Georgia.
We are ready to provide all necessary medical assistance—be it interventions or examinations—to those injured during the recent violence.
Innova Medical Center
“Innova Clinic and its medical staff express their unwavering support for the Georgian people.
We are prepared to provide any medical aid required for those affected by the violence that has occurred in recent days.”
Nova
“Georgia’s relationship with the European Union began in 1991, following its independence. Since then, the Georgian people have defended the values reflected in the statement: “I am Georgian, and therefore I am European.”
For years, Nova has produced Georgian goods adhering to European standards and supported by European investments. These values unite over 1,000 Nova employees and define who we are as a company.
We condemn all forms of violence and believe that Georgia’s European path has no alternative.”
Zhordania Medical Center
The I. Zhordania Medical Center and its staff express full solidarity with the people of Georgia.
We are ready to provide all necessary medical assistance—be it interventions or examinations—to those injured during the recent violence.
Wishlist
“🇪🇺🇬🇪 We express solidarity with all those detained participating in peaceful protests and condemn all forms of violence against peaceful demonstrators.
🇪🇺🇬🇪 Our company has chosen the European path since its foundation, and our main partners are the leading brands of Europe and America.
🇪🇺🇬🇪 We have always stood on the side of the people and the right opinion, and this is very clearly visible in our activities after 2022, with the messages “Say no to Russian products and show your share of social responsibility.”
By refusing Russian wooden beds two years ago, the company deliberately lost significant sales, and we are still proud of this decision. It is unfortunate that our competitors have not joined this stand. Many shopping malls, online sites, and branded stores continue to actively sell Russian wooden products.”
Stream
“The STREAM team firmly supports Georgia’s European future.
We categorically condemn:
Efforts to obstruct Georgia’s European integration.
Violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Aggression and neglect of citizens’ fair demands.
We join the call for new elections to ensure that a democratically elected government can lead Georgia forward in full alignment with the Constitution.”
Jobs.ge
Jobs.ge has joined Nika Gilauri’s initiative, contributing 10,000 GEL to the Solidarity Fund: prosperitygeorgia.org.
“At this turning point in Georgia’s modern history, unity and perseverance are of crucial importance. Every day, our fellow citizens, gathered across different cities, set the best example of this.
We firmly believe that it is the duty of each of us to contribute to the common cause in any way we can. Supporting those affected is essential—they must know they are not alone. The funds will be used to cover medical expenses, pay fines, and provide other financial support.
We call on our clients to join us and stand united in supporting our fellow citizens, who have become victims of unjust persecution and violence.
One for all and all for one!”
Making Science Sweeft Employees
In light of the extremely challenging events unfolding in the country, we, the employees of Making Science Sweeft, feel compelled to voice our protest through a walkout.
We stand in solidarity with the public’s demand for new elections and the restoration of the country’s Western-oriented course.
A total of 63 employees from the company are participating in this strike.
To be continued…
