Russia accuses EU of funding anti-government protests in Georgia

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claims that the European Union is actively working to intensify anti-government protests in Georgia, including financially supporting demonstrators.

According to the SVR, the EU has allocated significant resources to coordinate demonstrations in Georgia, with reports suggesting that each protest participant is set to receive up to €120 per day. The Russian intelligence agency also alleges that the EU is exploring ways to transfer funds from European embassies in Armenia to Tbilisi in case the Georgian government attempts to block financial channels for what Moscow calls “subversive actions.”

Furthermore, the SVR asserts that EU officials have been instructed to push for stronger cooperation among Georgia’s opposition parties, including the United National Movement, Lelo, For Georgia, European Georgia, and Girchi – More Freedom, in an effort to create a unified front against the ruling Georgian Dream party. The agency also claims that the EU aims to influence bloggers, journalists, IT specialists, and Russian expatriates in Georgia, allegedly using Western-controlled media and NGOs to shape anti-government sentiments.

The statement further accuses Brussels of using the EU’s “Youth of Georgia for Europe” program to distribute grants of up to €50,000 for “progressive” projects, with pro-Western loyalty being a key criterion for funding.