Georgian Parliament Speaker: Brussels firmly on path once taken by Soviet Moscow

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said that Brussels itself suspended Georgia’s EU integration process in June 2024, adding that the main problems should be sought in Brussels, which, according to him, now stands firmly on the path once taken by Soviet Moscow.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted the European Commission’s statement once again revealed the false and misleading narrative that had been spread, suggesting that it was the Georgian Government that halted the country’s EU integration process.

“It was reaffirmed, this time by the spokesperson of the European Commission, that the integration process was suspended by Brussels itself in June 2024”, he said.

“This demonstrates that Brussels is choosing confrontation instead of dialogue. It also serves as another sign of Brussels’ deviation from European values. The European value, as we Georgians understand it and have helped shape it, is about dialogue, not confrontation; conversation, not directives; understanding others’ interests, not issuing instructions”, Papuashvili continued.

He further added that unfortunately, Brussels had distanced itself from this value, resulting in the confrontational tone, attacks, and rhetoric against the Georgian people.

The Speaker further highlighted the opposition’s responsibility in the event that visa liberalisation is suspended.

“The radical opposition serves as a tool in the hands of their foreign patrons, who orchestrate this entire process. The radical opposition is being used to ensure that the agenda toward Georgia is carried out according to the wishes of those groups that organise, support, and fund them”, he said.

Papuashvili concluded by stressing that the main problems should be sought in Brussels, adding that Brussels today “acts and stands firmly on the path once taken by Soviet Moscow”.