Georgian Gov’t not to impose counter-sanctions on Estonia, Lithuania, citing “respect for their people”

The Georgian Dream Government on Monday announced its decision not to impose counter-sanctions on Estonia and Lithuania, following their recent decision to sanction 20 Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, after the Government’s decision last month not to include European Union accession talks in its agenda until 2028, citing “respect” for citizens of the countries. 

In an official statement, the Government asserted it had the “right and ability” to respond to what it described as an “anti-Georgian decision” with reciprocal measures, but would refrain from doing so. 

[B]ecause of our respect for the Lithuanians and Estonians, we believe it would be unreasonable to take such a step. We have decided to maintain unilateral friendship with both states to avoid undermining the traditional bonds between the people of Georgia, Estonia, and Lithuania”, the statement read.

The Georgian Government also criticised the Estonian and Lithuanian authorities, claiming that their sovereignty was “among the most limited in the EU” and accusing them of “acting on instructions from foreign administrations rather than prioritising their own national interests”.

Unfortunately, despite 33 years of independence, the authorities of Lithuania and Estonia have yet to break free from the Soviet mentality", the Government claimed. 

Concluding the statement, it also extended its “best wishes” to the people of the two countries, saying “we wish our friendly Estonian and Lithuanian people stronger sovereignty and all the best in the year 2025”.