FM Botchorishvili: ‘no anti-western rhetoric’ from Georgia, criticism is response to ‘unfair’ EU actions

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday said there is “no anti-Western rhetoric” coming from Tbilisi, arguing that recent statements by Georgian officials are responses to what she described as “unfair” actions by European institutions.

Speaking to Georgian journalists in Armenia, Botchorishvili said criticism from Georgian politicians should not be interpreted as anti-European messaging.

“When unfair resolutions are adopted about Georgia, it is impossible to leave them without comment or response. Politicians’ replies should not be interpreted as anti-European rhetoric,” she said.

The Minister added such statements reflect reactions to decisions taken by what she described as “Brussels bureaucracy”, including the suspension or politicisation of certain EU-funded programmes.

“The European Union has no restrictions when it comes to allocating funding. These are political decisions that have also been used as instruments in relations with Georgia. We remember very well how statements were made about suspending programmes, which were then used to shape the domestic political agenda,” Botchorishvili said.

She stressed that Georgia has not faced issues in accessing funding and that all legislative steps taken by the Government are based on national interests and legal procedures.

“Laws are adopted based on the interests of our country and aimed at protecting democratic order and stability. We have never refused dialogue or explanation. Anyone interested can examine the reasons behind these laws,” she added.

Botchorishvili also said Georgian society understands the rationale behind recent legislation and reiterated the Government’s readiness to engage in dialogue with European partners.

“If there is interest, we are always ready for dialogue and to provide explanations, so that we do not see such rhetoric from the EU side,” she said.

Addressing criticism related to alleged anti-European rhetoric, the Minister said such claims are unfounded.

“There is no anti-Western rhetoric from our side. If there are reactions from Georgian political circles, they are responses to specific steps taken by Brussels,” she said.

She also criticised recent European Parliament resolutions on Georgia, calling them “unfair” and containing “disinformation”.

“These resolutions include many narratives that are detached from reality and paint a very negative picture of Georgia. If we talk about disinformation, this is something that needs to be corrected,” Botchorishvili said.