Georgia’s PM calls for “reset” in relations with European Union

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called for a “reset” in relations with the European Union in an open letter addressed to EU leaders.

Kobakhidze said Georgia remains part of European civilisation and seeks EU membership not for “formal integration,” but as a civilisational choice rooted in the heritage of its ancestors, based on Christian morality, freedom, equality, respect for human rights, and democratic principles, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“Unfortunately, as a result of the decision taken by the European bureaucracy regarding Georgia, political dialogue with our country has been unilaterally suspended on your initiative, after which the formats of discussion and cooperation proposed by us have been repeatedly rejected,” the letter stated.

Kobakhidze also voiced concern over what he described as democratic backsliding, economic stagnation, a migration crisis, the devaluation of historical memory, and the weakening of national and gender identity in Europe.

The Prime Minister urged EU leaders to assess whether instances of the violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrations are consistent with European standards of democracy and human rights, citing an incident in Copenhagen as an example.

By Vafa Guliyeva