Georgian PM: we are completely open, but see Soviet-style approaches from EU

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday criticised European bureaucracy, saying its policies had led Europe into a “serious state” and concerning trends, while stressing that Georgia remained open to cooperation.

“European bureaucracy’s policies have brought Europe to a very difficult condition and worrying tendencies. They must rethink their policies,” Kobakhidze told reporters.

He noted while Europe still enjoyed prosperity built on 70 years of uninterrupted peace, its share in the global economy had declined from 30 percent in 2008 to 17 percent today.

“When you face such a difficult situation and such alarming trends, you should be focused on solving your own problems and developing relations. Yet, instead of fostering cooperation, we see attempts to artificially sever ties with countries like Georgia. This does not serve the EU’s objective interests, which shows that European bureaucracy is driven entirely by external forces rather than the interests of European society,” he said.

Kobakhidze added the so-called “deep state” had shifted its influence from the US to the EU, which was reflected, for example, in the decision of European Parliament member Marta Kos not to visit Georgia.

He noted Georgia remained ready to “reset” its ties with the EU.

“We are completely open, but on their side, we see Soviet-style approaches and isolationism. These are entirely Soviet methods, which must be corrected,” Kobakhidze said.