Opposition supporters started gathering for a protest in Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue in front of the Georgian parliament building on Thursday evening in connection with the statements by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze concerning relations with the European Union.

Kobakhidze earlier said Georgia would not raise the question about opening talks on its accession to the EU until 2028 and the country is also refusing al budget grants from the EU in this period.

Simultaneously, a protest is being held in front of the central office of Georgia's ruling party Georgian Dream in Tbilisi. The police have been mobilized near the ruling party's office.

Georgian television channels are reporting that spontaneous protests have also begun in Batumi and Kutaisi. Protesters are saying to reporters they cannot let the authorities "give up the European future of Georgia." According to the TV channels' information, several protesters have been detained at protests in Kutaisi.

Opposition leaders are also meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.