Maka Bochorishvili: From the EU Ambassador’s statement, it is clear that no effort is spared to use EU integration and relations as a tool against Georgia

"Georgia has always been, is, and will remain part of Europe and one of the main defenders of the European values on which modern Europe is founded," – said Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Bochorishvili, speaking to journalists in Luxembourg.

According to Bochorishvili, Georgia is a trusted partner of Europe and Western countries in the region, and these relationships require care from both sides.

“European integration is not only the country’s main foreign policy direction enshrined in the Constitution; it is also our historical and national aspiration to be part of the European family. Georgia has always been, is, and will remain part of Europe, and one of the key defenders of the European values that underpin modern Europe. Therefore, any speculation and false narratives that are created and then circulated against Georgia will ultimately be exposed for what they are – baseless lies. Georgia has repeatedly proven its commitment to the principles and values that define modern Europe, and has consistently shown itself to be a reliable partner of Europe and the West in the region. These relationships must be nurtured. But we cannot maintain them alone — we must also see the same attitude from the other side that we have toward our European partners,” she stated.

The Foreign Minister noted that developments in Georgia are often assessed with double standards:

“It is unfortunate that when we speak of our country’s national interests and sovereignty, various actors often circulate views that go against those interests, evaluating events with double standards. The banning of political parties is not foreign to European countries. When such bans occur in Europe, those states justify them by citing national interests. When we in Georgia have legitimate grounds to consider such practices, we see that certain actors use this against our national interests,” Bochorishvili said.

She added that among EU member states, there is a healthy understanding, though this is often overshadowed by false narratives and damaging rhetoric.

“There was no unanimous support among EU member states on the issue of visa restrictions for diplomatic passports. This was not a decision adopted unanimously because, clearly, there are diverse opinions among member states. Unfortunately, this healthy discourse is often overshadowed by false narratives and damaging positions toward Georgia’s image. But truth always finds its way. I am confident that it will also do so within the EU and its institutions. However, once again, we see from the EU Ambassador’s statement that significant efforts are being made to use the process of European integration and relations with the EU as a tool against Georgia,” concluded Bochorishvili.