Georgian Dream MP Says Georgia Should Not Be Compared to Ukraine or Moldova Amid EU Integration Dispute

Georgian Dream lawmaker Levan Makhashvili has rejected comparisons between Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, arguing that the three countries have chosen fundamentally different paths towards European integration.

Makhashvili’s remarks came in response to criticism from Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, who accused Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of repeatedly attacking Moldova out of frustration over its faster progress towards European Union membership.

“The statements we occasionally hear from our colleagues are rather amusing. Georgia does not compare itself with anyone, particularly Moldova and Ukraine, which have chosen different paths towards European integration one involving the violation of territorial integrity and the other involving unification with another country,” Makhashvili said.

The Georgian Dream MP said Georgia had no intention of competing with other countries but was sometimes compelled to cite statistics and economic indicators in response to what he described as unfair and defamatory assessments of the country.

“We will always remind the public whenever we see Georgia being unfairly compared with other countries. We will once again highlight Georgia’s performance in fighting corruption, developing its economy, reducing poverty and other areas,” he said.

“Ultimately, let the public decide where Georgia really stands, whether it is ahead or not, particularly in comparison with Ukraine and Moldova. If we look at the available statistics, everything becomes clear. Georgia stands where the Georgian people deserve it to stand.”

The comments follow remarks by Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu during an appearance on Moldovan television.

“Georgia’s prime minister never misses an opportunity to criticise Moldova. In this case, it is more a matter of envy, because Moldova is moving much faster towards European integration,” Grosu said.

The exchange highlights renewed tensions between Georgian Dream officials and Moldova’s pro-European leadership over their respective approaches to EU integration.