Georgian Parliament official: Georgia has been, is, and will remain partner of democratic and sovereignty-respecting EU

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, on Tuesday criticised what he described as irrational and trend-driven decisions by European politicians, arguing that irresponsible policies guided by external interests are harming European citizens and weakening Europe’s position as a global leader in business, technology, peace, order, and the rule of law.

Speaking at a plenary session of Parliament, Makhashvili said the results of the latest Eurobarometer survey, which found that nearly two-thirds of Europeans are not optimistic about their future, were entirely predictable.

According to Makhashvili, the same irresponsibility and disregard for democracy and sovereignty have also damaged relations between the European Union and Georgia.

“The Georgian government was criticized for prioritizing the welfare of its own people, while maintaining peace in the country was labeled as pro-Russian. Domestic radical groups were presented as the architects of this false narrative”, Makhashvili said.

The Committee Chair stated that recent international developments have once again highlighted two important realities of modern politics: the value of peace and stability, and the necessity of defending national interests.

Makhashvili also pointed to the results of a recent referendum in Iceland, noting that 52% of voters rejected the idea of opening accession negotiations with the European Union. He remarked that the remaining 48% did not respond by attacking state institutions, engaging in violence against police officers, launching revolutions, or attempting to overthrow the government.

“No one declared the referendum day a ‘black day’ for democracy, no resolutions or sanctions were adopted to punish the Icelandic people, no EU representatives traveled to Iceland to participate in protests, and Icelanders did not wake up the next day in Chelyabinsk. Brussels understood the voice of the Icelandic people. For some reason, the voice of the Georgian people has not been equally understood. Yet the will of the people is the will of the people, whether in Iceland, Switzerland, or Georgia”, Makhashvili said.

He emphasised that a strong and healthy Europe remains in Georgia’s national interest.

“A strong Europe is in Georgia’s best interests. Georgia and the Georgian people cannot be allies of bureaucrats who are driven by a war agenda. Georgia has been, is, and will remain a partner of the European Union as a healthy, democratic organization that respects both its own interests and those of others, as well as sovereignty. We hope European leaders will recognize their responsibility and act in accordance with their national interests rather than the dictates of informal interest groups. This would benefit their countries and contribute to improving EU-Georgia relations”, Makhashvili stated.