PM Kobakhidze: Georgia outperforms Ukraine and Moldova, but faces unfair EU treatment

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has criticised “an unfair approach” by the European Union towards Georgia, arguing that the country outperforms both Ukraine and Moldova across key political, economic and social indicators.

Speaking to journalists in response to a question about the progress of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, Kobakhidze said Georgia remained ahead of both countries in areas including democracy, human rights, economic performance and social policy.

"You know how far ahead Georgia is compared with both Ukraine and Moldova in every parameter," he said. "In terms of democracy, human rights, the economy and social policy, we are the absolute leader among these countries. However, the approach remains unfair."

The prime minister described the situation as a continuation of what he called political pressure that had been applied to Georgia since March 2022.

Kobakhidze said the Georgian government had responded to such challenges with patience and pragmatism, helping the country maintain stability and economic growth despite regional and international pressures.

"We have learned over the past 35 years to view such processes calmly and patiently," he said. "It is precisely through this approach that we have managed to preserve peace, stability and high rates of economic growth."

The prime minister contrasted Georgia's position with that of Ukraine and Moldova, arguing that both countries were facing significant difficulties.

Referring to Moldova, Kobakhidze claimed that support for European integration stood at 45% of the population and criticised remarks by Moldovan officials suggesting that closer integration with neighbouring Romania could become an option if EU membership prospects remained uncertain.

According to Kobakhidze, such discussions raise questions about Moldova's sovereignty and the strength of its accession ambitions.

He said statements from Moldovan leaders about possible unification with Romania demonstrated a willingness to consider sacrificing elements of state sovereignty in pursuit of EU membership.

The prime minister argued that the decision on whether to alter the EU's approach towards Georgia ultimately rests with European institutions.

"We will see whether, one day, the European bureaucracy decides to replace an unfair approach with a fair one," Kobakhidze said.

Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, but its accession process has since faced challenges amid disagreements between Tbilisi and Brussels over governance, democratic reforms and the country's broader political direction.