Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, following his announcement on Thursday about suspending the European Union integration process until 2028, accused EU Ambassador Pawel Herczyński of spreading disinformation.
Speaking at a briefing on Friday, Kobakhidze responded to the diplomat’s comments regarding the halt in Georgia’s EU accession talks, claiming the statement was misleading.
He reiterated that the government’s stance on European integration remained strong but insisted that Georgia would not move forward with negotiations under current circumstances.
Kobakhidze criticized the EU Ambassador for allegedly engaging in election campaigning in favor of Georgia’s “radical opposition”, accusing him of violating the Vienna Convention and democratic principles.
He warned that if the behavior of diplomats, particularly the EU Ambassador, did not change, the government would take “appropriate diplomatic responses.”
The Prime Minister asserted that despite the suspension of the integration process, Georgia was still fulfilling obligations under the Association Agreement, though critics argue that this progress will not advance the EU accession process as long as the formal negotiations remain on hold.
The Prime Minister also addressed public dissatisfaction with the government’s policies, claiming that Georgia had been subjected to “blackmail” from Western partners. He framed the EU’s pressure on Georgia as a political tool used to manipulate and divide the country, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “From February 2022 to December 2023, they blackmailed us with candidate status,” Kobakhidze claimed, adding that the government would not allow such tactics to continue.
The announcement of the suspension led to widespread protests, with thousands of citizens gathering in Tbilisi and other cities, expressing frustration with the government’s anti-Western stance. Clashes between demonstrators and the police erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the detention of 43 protesters and injuries to 22 journalists.
Police used water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
While Kobakhidze has promised that the issue of EU negotiations will not be on the agenda for the next four years, critics argue that the government’s recent actions – such as passing controversial laws on foreign agents, offshore companies, and amendments perceived as homophobic – further complicate Georgia’s path to European integration. Despite the PM’s assurances, the growing discontent among the public reflects increasing skepticism about the government’s direction in its EU aspirations.
