Georgian PM Calls for Political Dialogue with EU, Expects No Major Change in Enlargement Report

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called for direct, high-level political dialogue between Georgia and the European Union, saying both sides must take steps to improve relations amid continuing tensions.

Speaking to journalists about his expectations for the European Commission’s upcoming enlargement report, Kobakhidze said he anticipated an assessment similar to last year’s, citing what he described as a lack of meaningful change in the Commission’s approach towards Georgia.

“The new report will probably be similar to last year’s, given that we see no substantial change in the European Commission’s approach, which is very regrettable,” Kobakhidze said.

Asked which side should take the initiative to restore relations to their previous level, the prime minister said progress would require action from both Tbilisi and Brussels.

“Steps must be taken by both sides, and we have a very clear and simple proposal: let us begin a dialogue,” he said.

Kobakhidze argued that talks should take place at the political level, as political leaders on both sides are ultimately responsible for making decisions.

He also stressed that any such discussions should be open and transparent, including to the Georgian public.

“This dialogue, in our view, should take place at the political level, because ultimately it is politicians who make decisions on both sides. It is therefore fundamentally important that this dialogue begins at the political level,” he said.

“The second principle that is essential to us is that the dialogue and discussions must be open and public, including for Georgian society. That is our proposal.”

Kobakhidze described the proposed format as an opportunity to address disagreements and questioned why European institutions had not responded positively.

“No issue can be resolved without dialogue. We do not know why our proposal cannot receive a positive response. If there is a genuine desire to improve relations, representatives of European institutions should readily agree to our proposal, because dialogue cannot have any downside,” he said.