Georgian FM says “very unfortunate” to see that EU itself has become “instrument in fight against Georgia”

In an interview with Imedi TV, Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili emphasised the deep connection between the Georgian people and the European Union, stating that it was a space where they wished to see their country and become a part of.

“Our society not only knows the relationship with the European Union, but we have grown up and exist in a way that this is the space where we want to see our country, and we want our country to be a part of it”, Botchorishvili said.

Botchorishvili stressed that Georgia’s goal was to settle in the European Union, highlighting that this vision has been a long-term commitment for her personally.

“For me personally, especially as someone who has been working on this for almost two decades, aiming to bring Georgia as close as possible to the European Union and integrate it fully into this space, it is very unfortunate to see that the European Union itself has become an instrument in the fight against Georgia. I would not hesitate to call it that”, she added.

“When we talk about the European Union, for us, it is both an idea, a reflection of our history, our desire, and our constitutional goal. We cannot view EU membership as a tool for something else. It is our goal, where we want Georgia to settle and be a part of the European Union. When we see that this process, which is of such significance to us, is being manipulated and used as a tool to fight against Georgia's interests, this is, of course, very bad, harmful, and unfortunate. This must stop. At some point, this has to end, and we need to start a real conversation about common interests,” she said in reference to the EU's enlargement policy, which includes the Balkans, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.

The Minister pointed out that meaningful discussions on Georgia's EU membership have not yet begun, not because of Georgia, but due to the lack of a clear decision by the EU.

She also underscored the need for a broad national conversation, with the involvement of real civil society, beyond just NGOs, to engage in a dialogue about the country's European future.

“This is not a one-time act for Georgia to become an EU member. It should affect every aspect of our life and every sector. This process requires significant effort”, the Minister continued.

Botchorishvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to preparing for EU membership, stating that the country must work to align itself with EU member states in every possible way.

“We will continue to take steps to prepare Georgia for EU membership, so that when the time comes for EU enlargement, we will be ready to take our place among EU member states”, she concluded.