Georgian PM: EU avoids question on double standards towards Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday criticised the European Union for evading questions about double standards, asserting that the EU’s treatment of Georgia clearly reflected unequal policies.

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas noted that while some aspects of the US National Security Strategy may be unsettling, the United States did not face the challenge of seeking EU membership, implying that Georgia’s situation is different.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze highlighted that when asked directly about double standards, Kallas avoided providing an answer.

“Ms. [Kaja] Kallas’ response was very weak. She was asked a specific question - and the EU accession of the United States is irrelevant here. The question was specifically about double standards. Ms. Kallas avoided answering it because there simply was no answer. It is evident that the EU applies double standards towards Georgia, and specifically regarding the US stance”, he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that Georgia’s critiques were grounded in concrete facts and circumstances.

“As for the criticism we have voiced over the years, which is now echoed by the Trump administration, it is based on concrete facts and circumstances, and all representatives of the EU bureaucracy should reflect on this and not try to sidestep the questions asked”, he concluded.

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Tuesday responded to comments made by European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, expressing concern over perceived restrictions on Georgia’s ability to voice its opinions while pursuing EU membership.