Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has praised the European Commission’s latest enlargement report this week as “positive” despite indications about the country’s “stalled integration” in the document, attributed to disputed laws adopted by the ruling Georgian Dream party and its rhetoric.
According to Papuashvili, the report acknowledges that Georgia has achieved “good progress” in 12 out of 35 policy chapters and “some progress” in 13 more. He stressed that this outcome highlighted Georgia’s “advancements” in the face of election constraints and continuous opposition challenges.
However, the report does point to a setback in the chapter concerning justice and fundamental rights, citing the repeal of gender quotas, the adoption of the Transparency Law, the Law on Family Values and Protection of Minors, and the cancellation of an LGBT Pride event. Papuashvili asserted that the policy directions were “consistent with Georgian public opinion” and that the government “remains open to continued discussions with the EU on these issues”.
Papuashvili also noted Georgia’s “favorable standing” in areas like internal market and competitiveness, where it surpasses regional peers Ukraine and Moldova.
He cautioned against “politicizing” the EU accession process, as he argued that such an approach could hinder both Georgia’s integration process and the EU’s credibility.
Papuashvili dismissed the indications on stalled integration “as politically motivated”, emphasizing Georgia’s commitment to fulfilling 90% of the Association Agreement by 2028, which he claims will position the country substantially closer to EU membership.
