Georgian FM: no preconditions for EU talks, Georgia has never refused dialogue

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday discussed the country’s relations with the European Union and the possibility of restoring dialogue, noting that there have been noticeable changes in approach within the EU bureaucracy, suggesting growing recognition that engagement with Georgia is necessary.

In her interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Botchorishvili clarified that the suspension of high-level relations was a unilateral decision made by the European Union, not the Georgian government.

“To some extent, approaches and intentions may have changed within the EU bureaucracy. They understand that dialogue with Georgia is necessary, although there may still be differing opinions on how this dialogue should be resumed. For quite some time now, in various formats and meetings with representatives of different countries, it has been clear that such attempts and willingness do exist”, she said.

“Our position is very clear - we did not suspend dialogue, and we did nothing that would justify such a decision by the European Union. We have never refused dialogue. This was the EU’s decision”, the minister noted.

Botchorishvili recalled that in June 2024, months before the parliamentary elections, the EU ambassador explicitly informed the Georgian government that the EU Council had decided to halt both political dialogue and the EU integration process. She dismissed claims that the Georgian prime minister’s subsequent statements were the cause of the freeze, labeling such interpretations as “speculation” and “disinformation”.

The minister further highlighted that following the elections there were attempts to isolate Georgia internationally, but those efforts failed, making the continuation of relations with Georgia necessary for the European Union.

“Today, in many respects, it is necessary for the European Union to maintain dialogue with Georgia, and everyone understands this. The only question is how to do it. We understand there may be concerns about saving face and difficulties in taking a step back, but for us, principled positions are very important”, Botchorishvili said.

She also criticised what she described as disinformation campaigns against Georgia and its government, saying Tbilisi has nothing further to do for dialogue to resume.

The minister also addressed criticism from the European Union over what Brussels describes as “repressive laws and democratic backsliding in Georgia”.

“We do not believe that any repressive laws exist in Georgia. Every law adopted by the Georgian Parliament since 2020 has been necessary to protect the country’s stability. Had we not done this, we might not be sitting here today discussing how to restore dialogue with the European Union in a peaceful environment”, she said.

Botchorishvili rejected allegations of democratic backsliding, calling them false and unfair.

Speaking about the possibility of restoring dialogue, the minister reiterated that Georgia remained open to renewed engagement if there was political will from the European Union.

“Dialogue does not require preconditions. We ask for only one thing - fair treatment. Georgia has never refused dialogue with the European Union, and Georgia does not need any preconditions to talk to the EU. Our side has always been open, if there is willingness from the European Union to restore the dialogue between us, which is also envisaged by the Association Agreement and is being violated when meetings with Georgia are not held”, Botchorishvili concluded.