Georgian Parliament official says EU must learn from its mistakes and rebuild relations with Georgia

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration, on Saturday criticised the approach of certain EU institutions - particularly the office of Kaja Kallas - for monopolising and mismanaging relations with Georgia, describing the policy as a failure driven by a narrow “wartime agenda” of some member states.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Makhashvili argued that some Baltic and Northern European countries view Georgia not as an equal partner but as a tool in a broader geopolitical game, willing to sacrifice it for larger objectives.

“There are certain member states - some Baltic countries and several countries in Northern Europe - that have very narrow political objectives regarding Georgia, shaped by a wartime agenda. They do not see Georgia as an equal partner with its own interests, interests that should be taken into account. Instead, they view Georgia as a participant in a broader geopolitical plan, a pawn that, from their perspective, can be sacrificed for larger goals”, he said.

At the same time, he pointed out that this was not the position of the entire European Union, and many actors now realise the damage caused to the EU’s reputation and trust.

“However, this is not the view of the entire European Union. There are other interests at play, including within the EU itself. There is also significant institutional disagreement within Brussels and among EU institutions because many have realised that the steps taken regarding Georgia were mistaken - not only politically, but in other respects as well. These policies have damaged the EU’s reputation and undermined trust in the European Union. As a result, some actors are now seeking to change that policy direction”, Makhashvili noted.

The official further noted that certain Brussels institutions, especially Kaja Kallas’ office, had effectively taken full control of shaping policy toward Georgia, resulting in a complete failure.

“Unfortunately, some institutions in Brussels have effectively monopolised relations with Georgia, particularly the office of Kaja Kallas, which assumed responsibility for managing and continuing relations with Georgia, and that effort has not succeeded”, he stressed.

“Today it is clear that this approach has resulted in a complete failure. There are many questions being asked, both about Kaja Kallas and about other bureaucrats responsible for Georgia within this hierarchy. That is precisely why so many doubts and questions have emerged”, Makhashvili continued.

Makhashvili also expressed hope that the European Union would eventually reset its relations with Georgia.

“Ultimately, I remain hopeful that sooner or later the European Union, having recognised its own mistakes, will reset these relations. What matters most is what the public can see. As for Georgia’s share of responsibility, we have fulfilled our obligations before our citizens, the European Union itself, and the EU member states. We were not the side that damaged these relations, and we are ready for a reset. However, it must be based on the principles of fairness and equality”, he concluded.