Kirtskhalia: After the European Commission’s Report, What Enlargement Forum Should Georgia Attend?

Irakli Kirtskhalia, chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream parliamentary faction and leader of Georgia’s parliamentary majority, has questioned the country’s participation in European Union enlargement forums following the European Commission’s latest enlargement report, which he described as politically motivated and offensive to Georgia.

Speaking at a press briefing following a parliamentary majority meeting, Kirtskhalia responded to questions about the EU enlargement forum scheduled for November 15–16 in Brussels, to which Georgia has not been invited, and a connectivity and security ministerial meeting on November 16, where Georgia has reportedly been offered representation at a lower diplomatic level.

“The Prime Minister has made it absolutely clear that, with all due respect, Georgia will not participate in any event to which it has not been appropriately invited,” Kirtskhalia said.

He strongly criticised the European Commission’s enlargement report, accusing Brussels of undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and disregarding the country’s national interests.

“What enlargement are we talking about? We have seen the European Commission’s enlargement report, which was yet another insult to our country,” Kirtskhalia said.

He argued that the report challenged fundamental aspects of Georgia’s domestic policies, including judicial reform and legislation that the government considers essential to protecting national sovereignty and security.

“We are talking about fundamental issues, including judicial vetting and legislation that directly protects our country’s sovereignty and security the Law on Transparency, the Law on Family Values and the Protection of Minors, also known as the so-called anti-LGBT law,” he said.

Kirtskhalia also rejected criticism concerning individuals described in the report as arbitrarily detained, questioning the basis for such assessments.

“Who exactly has been arbitrarily detained? Are those who set police officers on fire or attempted to burn constitutional institutions being described as arbitrarily detained?” he asked.

The parliamentary majority leader characterised the European Commission’s conclusions as lacking substantive arguments and being driven by political considerations.

“After such a report, what enlargement forum should Georgia even be represented at?” Kirtskhalia said.

Reiterating Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s position, he added that Georgia would not attend international meetings unless it was invited and represented in a manner consistent with its dignity and status.

“I quote the Prime Minister: Georgia will not attend any meeting where it is not invited and represented with the respect it deserves,” Kirtskhalia said.