Tbilisi pushes for EU integration despite strained relations with Brussels

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has accused Brussels of repeatedly interfering in the country’s internal affairs, a pattern that she says has strained bilateral relations between Georgia and the European Union. 

“In recent years, we have unfortunately witnessed multiple instances of Brussels intervening in internal affairs, and Georgia is the clearest example of this,” Botchorishvili stated, according to Georgian media, cited by Caliber.Az.

She further highlighted what she described as a contrasting approach by Brussels toward different countries. “When it comes to the U.S., the messages from the Brussels bureaucracy are entirely different, and the positioning also changes,” Botchorishvili noted, adding that this disparity reflects “the sad reality in which Brussels finds itself today.”

Reaffirming Georgia’s European identity, Botchorishvili emphasised the country’s firm commitment to EU membership. “We are a European country. And if we aspire to be part of the EU, then of course we want to see a strong European Union — one whose membership is a desirable goal for us,” she said.

She added, “We hope that the situation will change and that Brussels will stop ignoring reality.”

Tensions between Georgia and the EU have escalated following the parliamentary elections in October 2024, which handed a renewed mandate to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s Georgian Dream party. The vote drew criticism from the EU and international observers over alleged irregularities and pressure on opposition parties.

In response, Kobakhidze announced a suspension of formal EU accession talks until 2028, accusing Brussels of “blackmail” and interference in Georgia’s domestic politics. This move effectively paused Georgia’s progress toward EU membership, despite the country having been granted candidate status in late 2023.

The EU, for its part, has expressed concern over what it describes as democratic backsliding and criticised the government’s approach to civil society. Brussels has also withheld certain financial assistance and reduced high-level contacts with Tbilisi.

Despite these strains, Georgia maintains that integration with the EU remains a long-term strategic priority and continues to assert that it is fully complying with all obligations under the Association Agreement and the bloc’s sanctions regime.

By Tamilla Hasanova