One of the main challenges on the European path for Georgia is indeed the strong political polarization. For the country to become an EU candidate, all political forces need to work together constructively,” Josep Borrell, the European Union High Commissioner said on Monday, after his first visit to Georgia last week. 

He stressed the Georgian Dream Government and ruling party “should work” on creating an environment that made cooperation possible.

Borrell noted launching the impeachment procedure against President Salome  Zourabichvili by the ruling party for her unauthorized EU trip this month had “further increased” polarization. 

He highlighted there was “no shortcuts to EU accession. Neither for Georgia, nor anyone else. The enlargement process always follows clear criteria. It requires, for sure, hard work, political will and clear commitment to the European Union’s values”. 

Borrell said while in Georgia he told Georgian leaders the EU welcomed the “clear position” of Georgia over the ongoing  Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

“However, I have had to say also that we regret the resumption of direct flights between Georgia and Russia, making Tbilisi a hub for bringing Russians to Europe. More engagement is also needed to counter Russia’s hybrid activities, starting with Russia’s war of propaganda and disinformation”, he said.

He stressed that alignment with the bloc’s foreign policy was a commitment “that we expect from all countries aspiring to become members of the European Union. However, in that regard, I see right now quite a lot of room for improvement”. 

In his follow-up messages, the EU official reiterated the bloc’s “unwavering support to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.