EU Ambassador says anti-European rhetoric is damaging Georgia-EU friendship

European Union Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński has said anti-European rhetoric in Georgia is harming the long-standing friendship between the country and the EU, while stressing that Brussels still hopes Georgia will eventually become a member of the bloc.

Speaking at an event marking Europe Day, Herczyński said the EU remained ready to resume joint work with Georgia towards European integration.

“We do not lose hope that Georgia will one day become a member of the European Union. Therefore, we are ready to renew our work together to achieve this goal,” the Ambassador said.

Addressing guests at the event, Herczyński described Europe Day as a celebration of European unity and the longstanding partnership between the EU and Georgia.

“Since the restoration of independence, we have stood by Georgia, by your side, as a strong and reliable partner,” he stated, adding that the EU had supported Georgia’s development and helped improve people’s lives.

Herczyński also said Europe was a space where states preserve and strengthen their culture, identity and traditions.

“Georgia inspires Europe precisely through its uniqueness and rich culture,” he said.

At the same time, the Ambassador stressed that progress towards EU membership depends on democratic development.

“Unfortunately, recently Georgia has halted its movement towards the European Union,” Herczyński said. “Anti-European rhetoric continues, further damaging the friendship built over many years and the hopes of generations.”

Quoting a Georgian saying — “A brother is strong with his brother” — Herczyński argued that Georgia and the EU are stronger together.

He concluded by saying that EU membership remains the best path towards peace and prosperity, pointing to nearly 80 years of European integration as evidence.

“Georgia’s future belongs to this country and its people,” the Ambassador added.