Georgian PM urges EU to “overcome Soviet approach” and engage in dialogue

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday called on European bodies and bureaucracy to abandon what he described as “Soviet-style” communication practices and engage in direct dialogue with his Government instead of sending formal notes.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze emphasised that the Georgian side was ready for open discussions on all matters, including the foreign influence law.

“We once again call on European bodies and bureaucracy to speak with us - not to send dispatches, but to talk. We are ready to discuss any topic”, he said.

“Back then they called it the ‘Russian law’ [the law on transparency of foreign influence], even though it was aimed at preventing revolutions. We offered to discuss it publicly with both the European and former American bureaucracies. If they had proven that there was anything wrong with it, we were ready to back down. But there was no discussion - just a Soviet-style approach. The same is happening now”, the PM continued.

Kobakhidze further highlighted that there had been “zero communication” from EU institutions apart from official statements, which he likened to “Soviet dispatches”.

“We are open to dialogue - public or private - because we believe we are absolutely right”, he added.

The PM further criticised EU officials over their stance on human rights and recent protests in Georgia, accusing them of encouraging violence during the 2023 and 2024 spring demonstrations.

“The violence in the fall of 2024 was also encouraged by them. Earlier, they denied us candidate status and tried to orchestrate a Government overthrow through their funded NGOs”, he noted.

The Prime Minister further added that the same people now were speaking about police violence against protesters, arguing that they have no moral right to do so, “only Georgian citizens have the legitimacy to question the Government’s handling of such events”.

“Let our citizens ask us questions, criticise us if investigations fall short, but European bureaucrats have no such right”, Kobakhidze concluded.