Georgian FM rejects “blackmail” in EU relations, urges constructive dialogue

Georgian vice prime minister and foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday emphasised the need for a normalised relationship between Georgia and the European Union, arguing that progress cannot be achieved through pressure or threats of sanctions.

In her interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Botchorishvili highlighted a fundamental contradiction in the EU’s current approach, noting that it is counterproductive to discuss restoring dialogue while simultaneously employing mechanisms of pressure.

“On the one hand, we are discussing how to restore dialogue between the European Union and Georgia, and on the other hand, we are considering how pressure mechanisms can be used against Georgia. If we are truly talking about restoring dialogue, then we should not be discussing how to coerce Georgia”, she said.

Botchorishvili noted that amid political changes in Hungary, attempts to exert pressure have indeed been observed, although their practical implementation remains limited. She recalled previous similar efforts during the tenure of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, stressing that reaching consensus within the EU on such matters is difficult.

“You may remember the Kulevi issue recently. We have seen many unfair steps toward Georgia. Nothing should be entirely ruled out, but it is very difficult today to find the necessary consensus among EU member states to advance such decisions”, she added.

The minister underscored that, despite the intentions of certain actors, a significant number of EU member states recognise what she described as unfair approaches toward Georgia.

Reaffirming Georgia’s priorities, Botchorishvili stated that normalizing relations with the European Union remains a key goal, but must be achieved without pressure or coercion.

“It is better to focus on how Georgia-EU relations can return to a normal framework. This cannot be achieved through the language of blackmail”, she said.

She also pointed to what she described as inconsistencies between the EU’s declared principles and its rhetoric, referencing statements that the Union does not impose membership on any country, while warning that threatening language creates a different perception among Georgian society and political circles.

Botchorishvili noted that relations between Georgia and the European Union should be based on voluntary cooperation and constructive dialogue.