Kobakhidze: If Anyone Wants Georgia to Change Its Approach, They Must Talk to Us

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that any attempt to influence Georgia’s policies must begin with direct dialogue, arguing that European officials are unwilling to engage in discussions with the Georgian government.

Speaking at the EU Enlargement Summit organised by Euronews in Brussels, Kobakhidze expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of communication between Georgia and its European partners.

“If anyone wants to change something in Georgia’s behaviour, they need to talk to us. But the problem is that they are not talking to us. They are not ready to engage in dialogue with us,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister stressed that Georgia remained committed to values he described as consistent with those of the European Union, including sovereignty, democracy, the rule of law and judicial independence.

He reiterated the Georgian government’s willingness to discuss all issues of concern with European institutions, provided that such discussions were based on substantive arguments.

“We are ready to discuss every issue. Let us start talking. If they have arguments concerning our laws or other actions, they should present them,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister also questioned what he portrayed as inconsistent European attitudes towards violent demonstrations.

“For example, was it right to support the throwing of Molotov cocktails, something that is condemned in France?” he asked.