Georgia is part of European civilization. No one doubts that. Will Georgia become a member of the European Union? Honestly, I think that Georgia has a place in the European Union. However, at the same time, Georgia's interests must be protected. I think that Georgia is currently in a very difficult geographical situation. You have your place in the European family, but in the family we must respect the choice of all members, - French MEP Thierry Mariani told the special correspondent of InterPressNews in Brussels.

According to the MEP, he does not share the official Brussels position, which forces EU member and candidate countries to make certain decisions.

"What I disagree with Brussels is that Brussels should not issue orders to member states, as Moscow once did, even if it contradicts national interests. I think the current European Parliament has very strange views. They think that all countries should follow the instructions issued by the European Commission. This is what happened in the Soviet Union.

I was on a mission to Georgia in July 2022. I remember two meetings. The first was a meeting with the former President, Ms. Zurabishvili. The EU delegation, led by the President of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said that you should impose sanctions against Russia. The President of Georgia said, yes, I am ready to impose sanctions against Russia. After that, we met with the Prime Minister and members of parliament. They said that Georgia has a different geographical situation and it is impossible to break off relations with Russia. Therefore, I think that you should be in the EU, but the EU should respect the interests of the nation. When you represent a state between Turkey and Russia, you need a different relationship with them,” he said.

As for the imposition of sanctions by the Baltic states against part of the Georgian government, Thierry Mariani believes that instead of exacerbating the situation, these countries should help Georgia find a way out.

“This decision was shocking to me. I am very shocked. The Baltic states do not respect democracy in this case. If they really want to help Georgia, it is better to help it find a way out. We need more cooperation, not sanctions. I think that your Prime Minister or your President or a politician who is sanctioned can live without going to Tallinn,” the MEP said.