Ruling party MP accuses EU of stalling accession talks, citing Transparency Law as ‘excuse’

Irakli Kadagishvili, a Member of Parliament from Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party, asserted on Thursday that the European Union had no intention of opening accession talks with Tbilisi, despite granting the country candidate status last year. He accused the EU of using Georgia’s adoption of a controversial foreign influence transparency law as an “excuse” for its stance.

Kadagishvili dismissed recent remarks by German Ambassador Peter Fischer over Georgia’s transparency law, alleging they were aimed at undermining the government and boosting opposition prospects.

“The statements made are an interference in Georgia’s elections. Such remarks are an attempt to revive the opposition by falsely branding the transparency law as ‘Russian’ in Europe,” Kadagishvili claimed. He argued that even without this law, negotiations with Georgia would not have commenced, citing Georgia’s prominent status among candidate countries in various studies.

Kadagishvili suggested that these actions were designed to tarnish the government’s reputation in favour of the opposition ahead of the October general elections.

Responding to the German ambassador’s comments on recalibrating relations with Georgia, Kadagishvili emphasised the alleged temporary nature of current German actions, which include suspending new financial commitments and military exercises. He acknowledged geopolitical differences but reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to European integration, asserting the sovereignty of current bilateral engagements.

“While we maintain our steadfast goals for European integration, we prioritise Georgia’s sovereignty and best interests, which may not always align with those of global players,” Kadagishvili concluded.