Georgian PM Calls for Renewed EU Dialogue During Brussels Visit, Says Tbilisi Ready for Talks on All Issues

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called for renewed political dialogue between Georgia and the European Union, saying his government remains prepared to discuss all outstanding issues affecting the country’s European integration process.

Speaking to journalists after participating in the EU Enlargement Summit organised by Euronews in Brussels, Kobakhidze said direct engagement with European institutions was essential to addressing disagreements over Georgia’s European future.

“I am pleased to be in Brussels at the invitation of Euronews. My message is absolutely clear: when it comes to Georgia’s European integration, the key priority is to initiate dialogue,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze described his participation in the summit as an opportunity to present the Georgian government’s position on European integration and respond to questions concerning the country’s relationship with the EU.

“It was an interesting discussion. The entire format lasted 25 minutes, during which we addressed numerous issues related to Georgia’s European perspective. I answered questions, and my message was absolutely clear,” he said.

The Georgian Prime Minister maintained that representatives of European institutions were currently reluctant to engage in political dialogue with Tbilisi, despite what he described as the government’s willingness to address disagreements through direct discussions.

“Unfortunately, representatives of the European bureaucracy are refraining from such dialogue at this stage. However, if there is sufficient political will, we are ready to engage in discussions on every issue,” Kobakhidze said.

His comments come against the backdrop of strained relations between Georgia and the European Union, with disagreements over domestic legislation, democratic standards and the government’s political decisions complicating the country’s accession prospects.

Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, but its accession process subsequently stalled amid growing concerns in Brussels over developments in the country.

Kobakhidze has repeatedly argued that political engagement, rather than the suspension of dialogue, is necessary to overcome differences between Georgia and European institutions.

The Prime Minister reiterated that Tbilisi remains open to comprehensive discussions with its European partners, presenting the restoration of dialogue as a central condition for making progress towards Georgia’s stated goal of EU membership.