The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has deemed the European Commission’s enlargement report biased and announced the preparation of a formal response. According to the ministry, annual progress is reflected based on data submitted by candidate countries, as well as on the outcomes of work carried out within the dialogue frameworks established under the EU Association Agreement.
“It is regrettable that during the reporting period, under the pretext of suspending dialogue with the Georgian side pursuant to the European Council conclusions of June 27, 2024, the European side once again failed to hold a single meeting at any level envisaged by the Association Agreement, which significantly restricts the European Commission’s ability to objectively evaluate progress,” the statement reads.
According to Tbilisi, “it is concerning that, through factual inaccuracies and erroneous assessments, the European Commission’s report contributes to entrenching anti-Georgian narratives, which in turn narrows the space for constructive engagement and dialogue between the EU and Georgia.”
“Unacceptable are the attempts by the authors of the European Commission report to portray the governance of the country by authorities elected by the people with an overwhelming majority as state capture, whereas in any democratic society, this is the direct duty of the elected leadership toward the state and its own voters.
It is alarming that the report, based on selective analysis, encourages attempts to politicize legal matters, which undermines the rule of law and constitutes a blatant attempt to interfere in the country’s domestic affairs. Furthermore, characterizing the responsive statements of Georgian politicians regarding actions taken by various actors against Georgia as hostile rhetoric constitutes an attack on freedom of speech, serves to erode trust, and undermines the foundations of the partnership between Georgia and the European Union.”
According to the foreign ministry, despite the fact that the enlargement report concerning Georgia “was predominantly used to circulate biased assessments and fuel political speculation, the Georgian side will thoroughly examine the European Commission report and submit substantiated comments.”
The Georgian MFA reaffirmed its readiness for an “open and constructive dialogue with the European Union based on mutual respect.”
