Georgian FM says EU’s distancing from Georgia “unproductive” as regional dynamics highlight country’s role

Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday addressed the current state of relations between Georgia and the European Union, emphasizing that while formal political dialogue remains suspended by Brussels, the objective necessity for cooperation is more evident than ever.

Botchorishvili noted that while the decision from Brussels remains in place, Georgia continues to develop bilateral relations with various countries, including EU member states, which she described as important both for Georgia and for Europe in light of European interests.

She emphasised that ongoing global developments are making Europe’s needs and the opportunities of Georgia and the wider region increasingly clear.

“On the backdrop of global processes, Europe’s needs, as well as Georgia’s capabilities and the dynamics of our region, including Central Asian countries, are becoming more evident. In this context, Brussels’ approach toward Georgia appears quite misguided. In addition to being unfair, there are objective reasons why dialogue between Georgia and the European Union should continue”, the minister said.

Despite the suspension of political dialogue, Botchorishvili stated that cooperation continues in various formats. She added that Georgian officials still meet with representatives of EU member states to discuss a range of issues, and that support for the idea of halting dialogue with Georgia is gradually declining.

The minister also underlined that regional developments further highlight Georgia’s importance and expressed hope that Brussels’ approach will change over time. She said the decision ultimately rests with EU member states, but argued that a policy of distancing from Georgia is becoming increasingly irrelevant and brings no benefit to Europe or European interests. According to her, current regional dynamics clearly demonstrate why Georgia is important not only for its immediate neighborhood but also for the broader European region.

“We cannot influence and change this decision, it is up to the EU member states to decide. However, I hope that at a certain stage the policy of silence from Brussels will become increasingly irrelevant, because it does not bring anything to Europe or to European interests. Against the background of the ongoing processes in the region, the need for Georgia is even more visible”, she concluded.