Ursula von der Leyen says EU door remains open, Georgia’s return in hands of its leadership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that the European Union remains open to Georgia, placing the responsibility for the country’s return to the EU integration path squarely on its leadership.

“We regret the Georgian leadership’s shift away from the EU and its values. The EU stands with the people of Georgia and their choice for a European future. The door to the EU remains open. The return of Georgia on the EU path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership,” von der Leyen stated in a post on social media.

Her remarks follow the Georgian government’s recent decision to delay EU accession negotiations until 2028, a move that has sparked widespread protests across the country. Citizens have taken to the streets in cities like Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi, demanding the government respect their pro-European aspirations and reverse of the decision.