PM Kobakhidze: “We will not allow negotiation formalities to divide society or destabilize Georgia”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed recent criticisms regarding the suspension of the country’s European integration process at a press conference on Saturday, emphasizing that Georgia continues to fulfill its commitments toward EU membership despite challenges.

Kobakhidze accused some European officials of spreading contradictory statements about the status of Georgia’s EU integration.

He claimed these contradictions have eroded public trust in European institutions, as evidenced by a recent Eurobarometer survey indicating a 6% decline in trust among Georgians, now standing at 58%.

“Georgia has not halted the EU integration process. On the contrary, we are meeting our obligations under the Association Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement. Over 90% of these commitments will be fulfilled by 2028,” Kobakhidze stated.

He also criticized the use of Georgia’s negotiation status as a tool for “dividing society and destabilizing the country.”

“We will not allow anyone to use such a formality as opening negotiations to create division, disorder, or attempt to ‘Ukrainize’ Georgia. The only path to EU integration is through constructive action, not coercion,” he said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to European integration while warning against external influences that, in his view, undermine both Georgia’s interests and the EU’s credibility.