Georgian FM urges EU to show ‘fair treatment’ towards government

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has called on the European Union to adopt a “fair and balanced” approach towards the Georgian government, arguing that Brussels’ current stance risked undermining public support for European integration.

Speaking to the Georgian Public Broadcaster on Tuesday, Botchorishvili said the government had worked since 2014 to build “strong public backing” for EU membership, which has risen from 65% to around 85% in a decade.

“Georgia is asking only one thing from the European Union - fair assessments and fair treatment of its government, which is supported by the vast majority of the population. Brussels should reflect on this,” she said.

Botchorishvili also accused European institutions of “unfair and unfounded criticism” of Georgia, warning that it was damaging their reputation among Georgians.

“When people constantly hear false narratives, misleading statements and resolutions, it tarnishes the EU’s image. The European Parliament cannot expect to have the same reputation it once had in Georgian society,” she said.

She added that recent opinion polls showed declining support for EU integration and urged Brussels to “rethink its approach” to avoid eroding the popularity of the European idea in Georgia.

“We need dialogue, we need relations based on fairness. Georgian society cannot be deceived, and it deserves fair treatment,” Botchorishvili said.