Georgian FM calls on European Union institutions to adopt “fair and realistic” approach toward Georgia

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday called on all European Union institutions to adopt a “fair and realistic” approach toward Georgia, saying such a policy is now needed more by Europe than by Tbilisi itself.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Botchorishvili addressed the conflicting signals coming from Brussels, noting a shift in rhetoric among EU member states while criticising recent documents produced by the European Parliament.

“Recently, we have seen changes in rhetoric from EU member states. Naturally, it is impossible not to notice that there is no longer the same enthusiasm for criticising Georgia that we saw one or two years ago. To some extent, relations are returning to a more realistic framework”, she said.

At the same time, the minister criticised a recent report on Georgia discussed by the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, calling it “an absolutely absurd document”.

“On the one hand, talk of a shifted rhetoric from EU member states began recently. Naturally, it is impossible not to notice that the same enthusiasm for criticising Georgia we saw one or two years ago is no longer there, and to some extent, things are changing - relations are returning to a more realistic framework. On the other hand, we see yet another report on Georgia at the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, which is, once again, a completely absurd document. How are we supposed to interpret such messages from Brussels now? In the meantime, Georgian society has studied the EU institutions and the EU structure quite well. On one hand, let us speak about relations that are vital for Europe, the EU, and Brussels. On the other hand, we witness such an attitude from one of the EU institutions, which is often referred to internally as ‘not being that important’. Yet, at the same time, the president of the European Parliament reminds us that it is a democratically elected institution of the people and is indeed important. In short, whether it is important or not, one thing is vital for us: that there is a fair and realistic attitude toward Georgia from all EU institutions. Today, Europe - and again, the EU - needs this more than we do, in order to protect and maintain its reputation. Such resolutions and documents primarily reflect poorly on their own reputation; otherwise, in this small society of ours, it is very difficult to hide anything or believe what is written in a European Parliament document”, she continued.

Botchorishvili added that it was inconceivable for the Georgian public to take the European Parliament document on Georgia seriously.

“It is inconceivable for our society to take it [the document] seriously either. So, it is important that they look after their own reputation first and foremost and that we have a serious conversation, because this is what Europe needs today. It needs Georgia, it needs the South Caucasus, and no one can deny this anymore; they are talking about it more and more. On the other hand, once again, specific individuals currently holding leading positions in Brussels are doing their best to speak in a way that avoids mentioning Georgia. They conduct meetings - including those on connectivity - without involving Georgia, while simultaneously wanting to appear serious. It is unthinkable; these two things are absolutely incompatible. To talk about connectivity while excluding Georgia and not engaging in dialogue with it is impossible”, she concluded.