Tbilisi Mayor comments on EU membership prospects amid Ukraine’s bid

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze on Friday responded to European Commission Vice-President Marta Kos’ recent statements on Ukraine’s EU accession, noting that skepticism about membership was not unique to Ukraine and had historically applied to Georgia as well.

“Even in the past, people said it was impossible for Ukraine to join the EU. The same attitude existed toward Georgia. Some created the illusion that membership could happen tomorrow, but that is not the case. We should not mislead our citizens,” Kaladze said in remarks to the media.

He added that EU member states themselves were facing significant challenges amid global tensions, citing alleged disagreements and heightened strains even among Baltic countries.

Kaladze stressed the need for a realistic understanding of the geopolitical situation and cautioned against over-optimistic expectations regarding EU accession.