Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia applied to join EU, not to return to Soviet Union

Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday criticised the current direction of the European Union, warning that the bloc risks transforming into a “Soviet Union” style entity if it does not change its course.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that Georgia had applied for EU membership to join a democratic union, not to return to a Soviet-style system.

He further stressed that Georgia's aspirations remain rooted in European values, but expressed deep concern over the “civilizational abyss” he claims is being created by current leadership in Brussels.

“Our application was to join the European Union, not to return to the Soviet Union. Our efforts are directed at ensuring that the EU does not deviate from the European path, which unfortunately it seems to be doing today. When the moment of membership comes, we should not find a Soviet Union there, and Soviet Moscow should not be replaced by a Soviet Brussels in substance”, the speaker said.

Papuashvili also argued that Brussels should change its current course, warning that the EU is being led toward what he called a “catastrophe”.

He criticised decision-making processes in the European Parliament, claiming that hundreds of members gather to discuss issues without fully engaging with their substance and sometimes decide the fate of nations by simply pressing a button during votes.

“This reflects the civilizational abyss toward which Brussels is pushing the EU today”, he said. “Irresponsible and unqualified individuals hold not only the fate of the EU in their hands, but also the fate of other nations and countries”.

He further alleged that the same individuals regularly vote in favour of what he described as “anti-Georgian and hostile resolutions”, often without understanding their content. As an example, he referred to statements labeling former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili as a political prisoner.

He also pointed to economic and security challenges within the bloc, saying that an organisation originally created as a peace project is now discussing nuclear armament.

“Until Brussels changes this course, it will be difficult for us to find common ground with the leadership of an organisation that is moving toward a Soviet-style future”, Papuashvili concluded.