PM Kobakhidze: EU decision to appoint special envoy for talks with Russia shows ‘continued double standards’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the European Union’s decision to appoint a special representative for negotiations with Russia was a continuation of “double standards” in EU policy toward countries’ relations with Moscow.

Speaking to journalists in Abu Dhabi in response to a question about the planned appointment of a special EU negotiator to engage with Russia, Kobakhidze said the move highlights inconsistent and unfair approaches by European bureaucracy, particularly toward Georgia.

He stated that while the EU now acknowledges the need for direct communication with Russian authorities, it has previously denied other countries, including Georgia, even the right to maintain basic trade relations with Russia.

“This is a continuation of double standards. They can talk to Russia, yet they do not allow others even elementary trade relations,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze said similar double standards are evident in the EU’s treatment of other countries as well. He pointed to Moldova, noting that it remains a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States, maintains diplomatic relations with Russia, and has not imposed sanctions against Moscow.

“Despite this, over nearly four years since the start of the war, not a single critical statement has been made toward Moldova. Meanwhile, Georgia, which has no diplomatic relations with Russia and whose officials do not travel to Moscow for negotiations, has been labeled a ‘pro-Russian country’ and its government a ‘pro-Russian government,’” he said.

Kobakhidze stressed that the EU’s decision to pursue talks with Russia while criticising or restricting others for far more limited contacts demonstrates what he described as a clear and ongoing double standard.

“This is a very simple case of double standards, and the EU’s latest decision to appoint a special envoy for dialogue with Russia once again reveals the true face of European bureaucracy,” Kobakhidze added.