Georgian PM reaffirms commitment to EU membership, resetting ties with Brussels

Georgia remains firmly committed to joining the European Union, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze describing EU accession as the country's primary foreign policy goal.

Kobakhidze said that a key step on this path is a "reset" in Georgia’s relations with Brussels, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

"Our objective is clear: Georgia’s ultimate goal is EU membership. We believe that by 2030, Georgia will be as prepared as possible to join the EU.

Of course, a reset in our relationship with the EU is also essential," the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze stressed that the government will make every effort to reach this goal, though he acknowledged that progress will also depend on the EU’s approach and willingness to engage.

At the same time, he accused opposition forces of attempting to undermine the process.

According to Kobakhidze, opposition parties have engaged in “deliberate sabotage” over many years, aiming to obstruct the renewal of ties with the EU.

Georgia, an EU candidate since 2023 and a long-time aspirant to NATO membership, has seen its pro-Western trajectory slow in recent years. The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire ex-premier Bidzina Ivanishvili, paused EU accession talks until 2028, despite widespread domestic support and constitutional backing for integration.

Ivanishvili, regarded as the country’s de facto leader, has accused Western institutions of attempting to destabilise Georgia and provoke conflict with Russia. His party insists it remains committed to eventual EU and NATO membership but seeks to avoid confrontation with Moscow and uphold what it calls traditional Christian values.

The European Union has frozen Georgia’s application over concerns tied to controversial "foreign agent" legislation and curbs on LGBT rights, measures critics say mirror Russian influence. Meanwhile, the United States sanctioned Ivanishvili in December, alleging he has eroded Georgian democracy in favour of closer ties with Russia.

Formal diplomatic relations between Tbilisi and Moscow remain severed following their 2008 war over two Russian-backed breakaway regions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev