Pawel Herczynski: We have often heard that Georgia supposedly has to choose between preserving its own identity and European integration - this is not the case; it is a false dilemma; I am not afraid to say it very openly: I love Georgia!

“We have often heard that Georgia supposedly has to choose between preserving its own identity and European integration. You do not have to make such a choice. It is a false dilemma,” EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski said during a meeting with students at St. Andrew’s Georgian University (SANGU).

He congratulated teachers and future teachers on their professional day.

“My sincere congratulations to all teachers. Your profession is extremely important. This is something that is very important to me personally, because both my mother and my father were teachers. SANGU shows us that it is possible to be deeply rooted in your own traditions while at the same time being open, modern, and connected internationally.

I think there is a broader message here that goes beyond SANGU alone. We have often heard that Georgia supposedly has to choose between preserving its own identity and European integration. You do not have to make such a choice. It is a false dilemma.

Just as it is possible for SANGU, it is also possible for Georgia to be deeply rooted in its traditions and Christianity while at the same time remaining open to the outside world and benefiting from European integration,” the ambassador said.

According to him, he loves Georgia and is not afraid to say so openly.

“There are many things I love about Georgia. I am not afraid to say it very openly: I love Georgia,” the ambassador­ said.