PM Kobakhidze: corruption is ‘main problem’ in European bureaucracy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said corruption was the “main problem” observed within European bureaucracy, noting there had been “serious setbacks” in this regard.

Speaking to journalists in Shanghai, Kobakhidze made the remarks while commenting on the launch of an investigation in the European Parliament into alleged misuse of EU funds by Angelika Niebler, head of the influential German centre-right delegation.

“This points to the grave situation that has developed within the European bureaucracy. Overall, this is corruption. In a narrow or broad sense, the main problem we see in the European bureaucracy is corruption and there has been a serious regression in this regard - in corruption, democracy, respect for principles and values.

“We are witnessing significant setbacks in all these areas and this situation must change. This is our wish and our call to the European bureaucracy”, Kobakhidze said.