The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, has rejected claims that the country’s European integration process is at risk, dismissing concerns raised by the European Council. Speaking at a government briefing, Kobakhidze criticized the EU’s stance, contrasting Georgia’s situation with that of Ukraine and Moldova.
Kobakhidze argued that Ukraine and Moldova received favorable assessments despite significant problems. “There, televisions and political parties are being shut down, corruption is rampant, institutions are weak, and Moldova remains in the CIS,” he said, adding that there is a lack of “media and political pluralism” in both countries. According to him, Georgia’s situation is “radically different,” and the public sees the need for “objectivity.”
The Prime Minister suggested that a “Global War Party” has influenced the EU’s stance towards Georgia, alleging that this force’s interests towards Moldova differ from those regarding Georgia. He linked the “Global War Party” to efforts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hinting at broader geopolitical interests impacting EU decisions.
The European Council’s conclusions this week expressed “serious concern” over the Georgian government’s actions, alleging they undermine the EU’s basic values. The Council warned that Georgia’s European integration is “de facto on hold” due to the government’s conduct, which threatens its EU membership aspirations.
In his response, Kobakhidze refuted any suspension of the integration process. “Nothing is stopped. If anything is on hold, it is the integration of other candidates into the EU,” he said, citing economic challenges and democratic shortcomings elsewhere in the region.
Ivanishvili, the honorary chair and the founder of the GD, has claimed the “Global War Party” targeted Georgia because it could not establish a “second front” in the country following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He also accused the group of wielding significant influence over politicians in both the United States and the European Union, attributing his $1.2 billion financial losses linked to Credit Suisse to this alleged network.
