Europe faces ‘serious identity crisis’, Georgian PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused European countries of facing a “serious identity crisis”, citing migration, declining Christian identification and debates over gender identity.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Kobakhidze called on European officials to explain why they believe Georgia has moved away from the European path, saying Tbilisi was ready for dialogue on disputed legislation.

He criticised the EU’s response to Georgia’s law on transparency of foreign influence, arguing that the campaign against it had been based on false claims. He also defended legislation on family values and the protection of minors, questioning European criticism of restrictions on legal gender recognition and same-sex couples’ adoption rights.

Kobakhidze said migration had significantly changed the ethnic composition of some European countries and pointed to countries where fewer than half of residents identify as Christian.

“These are serious identity problems in Europe - ethnic, religious and personal,” he said.