Georgian President says Georgia remains open to dialogue with European Union but cannot accept disrespectful treatment from European bureaucrats

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Thursday said that Georgia remained open to dialogue with the European Union but couldn’t accept what he described as disrespectful treatment from European bureaucrats.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kavelashvili noted that diplomacy was the universal language of international relations, and dialogue is the only way to resolve disagreements.

He said the Georgian authorities have witnessed what they consider to be a dismissive and offensive attitude from EU bureaucracy.

“Diplomacy is the universal language. There should be no double standards. Naturally, every country we engage with has its own national interests. Interests are the next stage, where positions may differ, and that is where discussions take place on how to bridge those differences. But the first and most fundamental principle, whether for an international organisation or between states, is respect for sovereignty and for the government elected by the people”, he said.

“What do we see instead? We see double standards coming from the European bureaucracy. Fortunately for us, we have experience and we know what is happening within EU member states. There are differing opinions and no unified position, and it is precisely because of this bureaucracy that the European Union's image is being undermined. There are many examples of this, including the criticism directed at the EU and its bureaucracy by the current U.S. administration, which has warned that unless they change course and reform, Europe faces decline”, Kavelashvili continued.

He emphasised that the only thing Georgia managed to do was avoid unnecessary confrontation.

“We have been compelled not to respond to such offensive treatment in the way it deserves. We do not view Europe and the European Union through the eyes of today's European bureaucrats. We know what Europe truly is. We ourselves are part of Europe, one of its earliest foundations. For centuries, our people have aspired to be part of Europe, and that aspiration remains unchanged. At the same time, the values that Georgian society rightly holds dear are of paramount importance. These values are fully aligned with genuine European values, which, unfortunately, are now being violated”, he said.

“We are ready for dialogue at any time and on any issue. Problems cannot be resolved without dialogue. It requires two willing sides, mutual respect and a readiness to bring positions closer together. But when we are met with ignorance, rejection, refusal to recognise us and a humiliating attitude, we cannot accept it. Our history does not give us the right to bow our heads and tolerate humiliation. I am the President of Georgia. I am Georgian, and I am part of the eternal Georgia and of the generations who, through blood and great sacrifice, brought this country to where it is today. We will not allow anyone to humiliate this country”, Kavelashvili concluded.