Paweł Herczyński: It really saddens me to see that the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union is practically frozen, and at the same time, we are moving forward with Ukraine and Moldova

The adoption of this law, as I see it, has frozen Georgia's integration into the European Union, - the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, answered the question regarding the statement made by the Prime Minister of Georgia, according to which Irakli Kobakhidze stated that afrer the adoption of the law "On transparency of foreign influence" the chances of opening negotiations with the EU increased to 20-30%.

According to him, it was repeatedly stated that the adoption of the law "On transparency of foreign influence" would have a negative impact on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.

"It is my long-standing policy not to comment on any specific statements, but since you asked me a question about the current state of relations between the European Union and Georgia, it is with great regret that I have to tell you that we are currently going through a difficult period in our relationship. We have repeatedly said that the adoption of the "Foreign Influence" law would have a negative impact on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union, and unfortunately, this has happened. The EU will discuss the results next week. This discussion will be held first at the level of foreign ministers, and after a few days at the level of leaders, so the presidents and prime ministers will discuss and we will decide what measures we will take regarding these developments in Georgia. Of course, it had a negative impact on the prospects of Georgia's progress. In principle, the adoption of this law, as I see it, froze Georgia's integration into the European Union. As you know, integration into the European Union requires unanimity, and we have already heard that several member states have publicly stated that if this law is adopted, they will be against the opening of accession negotiations with Georgia.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia noted that the services of the European Commission and the External Action Service prepared options for retaliatory measures and sent them to the member states.

"This was said loud and clear by my superiors, the President of the European Commission himself, as well as the High Representative/Vice President, all options are on the table. The services of the European Commission and the External Action Service have prepared various options for us. This has been shared with EU member states and member states will decide which option to implement from this menu. These decisions must be taken at the level of foreign ministers on Monday in Luxembourg, and then at the level of the European Council on June 27, at the level of presidents and prime ministers, the highest level in the EU. I would like to add that this is happening in the context of the opening of accession negotiations between Ukraine and Moldova next week. So, it really breaks my heart to see that the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union is practically stopped, practically frozen, and at the same time, we are moving forward with Ukraine and Moldova," said the EU Ambassador to Georgia.

According to him, retaliatory measures will be taken at the highest level of the European Union.

"I cannot get ahead of the discussion that will take place next week between the ministers of foreign affairs, and then between the prime ministers and presidents.

We have to wait and see which measures will be chosen by the Member States and which measures will be implemented. I can say that we, as the European Commission and the External Action Service of the European Union, have given the member states a menu, and it is up to the member states to decide which measures will be selected from this menu," Paweł Herczyński said.