FM: Georgia must be cautious in full foreign policy alignment with EU

Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, on Wednesday said the country must exercise “particular caution” when assessing international processes and making foreign policy decisions, citing Georgia’s geopolitical situation and security challenges.

Speaking in parliament, Botchorishvili referred to Russia’s occupation of two Georgian regions and said these factors required careful consideration in foreign policy decision-making.

She said Georgia’s full alignment with the European Union’s foreign policy would remain difficult until the country becomes a full EU member.

“The only issue I will address, as a problematic topic in the context of the European Commission’s assessment, is Georgia’s alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, which is often measured only by the statistics of joining EU statements,” she said.

Botchorishvili further added that due to Georgia’s geographic location, the occupation of its territories, and broader security challenges, the country must be especially cautious in evaluating processes and taking foreign policy steps.

She said Georgia could not allow improvements in statistical alignment to create additional risks to national interests.

“Therefore, until Georgia becomes a full member of the European Union, it will be difficult for the country to fully align with EU foreign policy,” she added.