Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia committed to European integration while upholding national values, state interests

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday responded to a clarification made by Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, who stated that “EU legislation does not require member states or candidate countries to recognise LGBT marriage in their legislation”, noting it was significant that Sweden’s Foreign Ministry corrected Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s earlier remark and confirmed that the issue of LGBT marriage falls outside the formal criteria for EU membership.

In his remarks, Papuashvili highlighted that this clarification once again confirmed that the domestic law on family values and protection of minors aligned with the overall principles of European integration.

He further emphasised the importance of maintaining the agreed principles between Georgia and the EU as the foundation of bilateral relations, warning against arbitrary interpretations by individual countries, politicians, or bureaucrats that could create artificial obstacles to Georgia’s path toward European integration.

“Georgia remains committed to European integration, and it is essential that we stand firm in defending the rights of our people based on national values and state interests”, the Speaker concluded.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson had earlier stated that, within the framework of European integration, Ukraine should regulate same-sex partnerships and ensure full legal protection for the LGBT community.