Georgia has suspended its bid to join the European Union, prompting thousands of protesters to take to the streets, where they clashed with police in the capital of Tbilisi.

Georgia has postponed its bid to join the EU after the European Parliament voted to reject the results of the country's recent election. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the bloc of "blackmail" and said his government would drop its pursuit of membership "until the end of 2028".

Police clashed with protesters in the Georgian capital Tbilisi early on Friday, after the country’s ruling party said the government would suspend talks on European Union accession and refuse budgetary grants until 2028.