Georgian FM says Brussels must stop backing disinformation campaigns undermining Georgia-EU relations

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said Brussels must stop supporting and funding disinformation campaigns that, she said, significantly hinder relations between Georgia and the European Union.

Botchorishvili made the remarks while commenting on a recent statement by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Kallas noted that EU foreign ministers would discuss efforts to combat disinformation in Europe during an upcoming ministerial meeting.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili noted that the fight against disinformation was indeed a serious challenge

“The main thing is for Brussels to stop - and not contribute to - the spread and funding of disinformation campaigns that significantly hinder Georgia-EU relations. We have personally experienced numerous campaigns directed against Georgia’s interests, built entirely on lies and disinformation narratives. This can cause significant damage both to a country and to relations between states. Therefore, the issue is really important”, the FM said.

The minister stressed that while acknowledging the scale of the disinformation problem is important, the fight against it cannot be considered sincere if there is simultaneous support for or tolerance of funding disinformation campaigns.

“On the one hand, you recognize how serious a problem disinformation is, and on the other hand, you support or turn a blind eye to the financing of disinformation campaigns. Without concrete steps, this fight will be less credible”, she concluded.