Georgian PM slams European “double standards” over Russian sanctions and trade

Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday reaffirmed Georgia’s “clear policy” regarding international sanctions, while accusing the European bureaucracy of maintaining hypocritical trade practices.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze emphasised that Georgia remains firm in its dual approach - the country will not impose its own bilateral sanctions against Russia, but it will simultaneously prevent its territory from being used to bypass international sanctions.

“For us, the main thing is that we have a very clear policy. This policy implies that we have not imposed sanctions, but we also do not allow the circumvention of sanctions through our country's territory”, the PM said.

He further pointed toward what he described as “double standards” within the European bureaucracy, specifically regarding wine exports to Russia, noting that despite pressure on Georgia to sever trade ties, certain EU member states have significantly increased their involvement in the Russian market.

“What is important is that we act according to our principles, something the European bureaucracy does not do. These double standards are precisely a manifestation of a lack of principles. As early as 2022, when the war had just begun, Lithuania and Latvia exported four times more wine to Russia from each country than Georgia did. Neither of them is a wine-producing country. In reality, this was re-export, which had minimal social impact for those two countries. Yet, from us, they demanded - and still demand - the imposition of sanctions. They themselves should sell wine they do not produce, while our farmers, viticulturists, and winemakers are prohibited from selling wine to Russia. Our society sees this clearly. Everything here is very simple: trade between Europe and Russia amounts to billions, and we are expected to impose sanctions. Everything is crystal clear, and therefore, European bureaucratic statements carry no weight for the Georgian public, because everyone sees the hypocrisy and double standards underlying every one of their decision”, he concluded.