PM Kobakhidze accuses EU officials of double standards, claims bloc needs Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused EU officials of acting against the bloc’s interests and attacking the Georgian people.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Kobakhidze said some EU member states understood Georgia’s political and economic importance, but accused EU bureaucrats and appointed politicians of acting under the influence of other forces.

“We are accustomed to attacks on the Georgian people from the European bureaucracy. This is nothing other than another attack on the Georgian people and our country, which is deeply regrettable,” he said.

Kobakhidze argued that closer cooperation with Georgia was in the EU’s objective interests, but said certain officials were obstructing progress in bilateral relations.

The prime minister said there had been some progress in attitudes and actions, but described it as minimal, blaming the EU leadership’s approach towards Georgia.

“On our part, there is full readiness for dialogue and discussion on all issues. No issue is off the table. We are ready to discuss everything, provided there is a constructive approach,” Kobakhidze said.

He added that relations could be reset if the European Commission’s leadership changed its position, accusing it of maintaining a rigid stance towards Georgia.

Kobakhidze also accused European countries of applying double standards in their responses to police action against protesters.

He said Georgian law enforcement officers had operated to standards higher than those in Europe and the United States during earlier protests, while acknowledging that there had been serious incidents and alleged misconduct, including cases that could constitute criminal offences.

“We have seen numerous examples of European and American law enforcement officers using considerable force against protesters, often peaceful protesters,” he said.

The PM argued that European authorities had failed to speak out about similar incidents across Europe, despite previously imposing sanctions on Georgian law enforcement officials over their actions during “violent demonstrations.”

“This is a double standard that we have all become accustomed to, and the public can see it,” he said.