Georgian Dream using criticism of EU to justify deteriorating relations with bloc, Kakha Gogolashvili

Georgian analyst Kakha Gogolashvili has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of deliberately criticising the European Union in an effort to justify worsening relations with the bloc.

Speaking to journalists, Gogolashvili said repeated accusations by Georgian Dream against the EU were “purposeful” and formed part of a broader political strategy.

“These accusations are not absurd or accidental,” he said. “This is a strategic action aimed at justifying its poor relationship with the European Union.”

Gogolashvili rejected claims by Georgian officials referring to “EU bureaucracy”, arguing that decision-making within the bloc is based on broad institutional and public involvement rather than narrow political interests.

He described the EU as “probably the best and most democratic union” in the world, comparing it favourably with countries such as Switzerland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The analyst also referred to a recent French resolution concerning Georgia, saying criticism directed at Tbilisi reflected wider European concerns rather than isolated positions from EU institutions.

According to Gogolashvili, the current state of relations between Georgia and the EU is “absolutely anomalous” for a country holding EU candidate status.

He said Georgia’s EU accession process was effectively frozen for a long period and warned that continued tensions could eventually affect the country’s visa-free travel regime with the bloc.

Gogolashvili also said the EU would not remain tolerant of what he described as violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.