Georgia’s Foreign Ministry denies abolishing EU Integration Directorate

The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that it plans to abolish its Directorate General for European Integration, amid claims from opposition figures that significant staff cuts are imminent.

In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry clarified that the restructuring was part of a broader reform effort aimed at enhancing the country’s coordination with European institutions. Under the reform, a new Political Directorate for European Affairs will be created to consolidate the work of the existing European and European Integration Departments, it claimed.

“The information that the Directorate General for European Integration will be abolished in the Ministry is not true,” the statement said. “As a result of the reform, a Political Directorate for European Affairs will be established, which will unite the European and European Integration Departments.”

According to the ministry, the European Integration Department within the new structure will consist of four divisions dedicated to advancing Georgia’s EU integration agenda.

Officials say the reorganisation is intended to improve the ministry’s effectiveness in managing relations with European partners.

However, the announcement comes amid criticism from the opposition. Grigol Gegelia, a member of the opposition coalition Lelo–Strong Georgia, claimed earlier this week that Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili was overseeing the dismantling of the Directorate General and laying off up to 250 employees.

Gegelia accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of backsliding on European integration and undermining civil servants committed to EU reforms.