Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said there was an “opportunity to resume dialogue” with the European Union, but insisted the bloc must first halt what she described as “unfair steps” towards Georgia.
Late last year, the Georgian Dream authorities announced a halt in EU integration efforts until 2028, citing alleged “blackmail” from the bloc to “drag” the country into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The EU had previously expressed concerns over controversial laws, including the foreign transparency legislation initiated and adopted by the ruling Georgian Dream party, as well as alleged flaws in last year’s general elections.
Speaking to journalists during her visit to Hungary, Botchorishvili stressed the importance of continued engagement between Tbilisi and Brussels.
“If the EU decides, there is an opportunity tomorrow to continue relations at the table by discussing issues that are very important for the EU, Georgia, and our common European future,” she said.
The official also suggested that the EU’s position towards Georgia had been influenced by “specific reasons that are already clearly visible,” though she did not elaborate.
“It also requires a certain courage for the EU to take this step and stop the unfair steps, the unfair attitude towards Georgia,” Botchorishvili added.
Georgia, which was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, has faced scrutiny from Brussels over democratic reforms and political developments.
