Georgian President highlights Slovakia’s support, slams EU bureaucracy in Bratislava

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Thursday said Slovakia remained a “firm supporter” of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while also criticizing what he described as shortcomings in EU bureaucracy, following talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini.

Speaking at a joint briefing after the meeting, Kavelashvili thanked his Slovak counterpart for the invitation and hospitality, describing Slovakia as “one of Georgia’s closest allies and friends.”

“Slovakia has always been, and continues to be, a strong supporter of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Our countries are united by a shared vision based on peace, stability, and the protection of national interests,” he said.

Kavelashvili stressed that, amid growing global challenges and geopolitical risks, closer cooperation between like-minded countries was becoming increasingly important.

He highlighted the need to maintain the positive momentum in bilateral relations, including through high-level visits and expanded cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, defence, security, culture, education, and youth policy.

The Georgian president also welcomed the launch of direct flights between Kutaisi and Bratislava earlier this year, saying it would bring the two nations closer and boost tourism flows.

During the talks, Kavelashvili stressed Georgia’s strategic role as a key link in the so-called Middle Corridor, underlining its growing importance in the current geopolitical environment.

“In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Georgia’s role as a key component of the Middle Corridor is gaining increasing significance. This potential is recognized not only by us, but also by our partners,” he said, adding that the corridor would be “inconceivable without Georgia.”

He noted that fostering connectivity and civilizational dialogue between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East remained a central pillar of Georgia’s foreign policy.

Addressing relations with the European Union, Kavelashvili reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to European integration but criticized what he described as inconsistent approaches from Brussels.

“The European Union was founded as a peace project based on economic development, equality, justice, and mutual respect. Unfortunately, European bureaucracy often makes mistakes in its approach toward Georgia,” he said.

He added that Georgia remained committed to the values and was ready for “fair and constructive dialogue,” but stressed that the process required engagement from both sides.

Kavelashvili also singled out Slovakia as one of the countries within the EU that “consistently supported” Georgia and upholds these principles.

The Georgian president also addressed the war in Ukraine, arguing that greater adherence to what he described as “peace-oriented policies” by more countries could have prevented the conflict.

He claimed that Georgia faced pressure after the outbreak of the war to join sanctions against Russia and to become more directly involved, but said the government resisted such calls.

“If more countries had followed the same principles as Georgia and Slovakia, I am confident the war in Ukraine would not have happened,” he said, adding that Georgia’s approach helped avoid conflict while maintaining economic stability.

Kavelashvili also pointed to improving regional dynamics in the South Caucasus, noting efforts to support peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

He expressed hope that increased cooperation would make the region more attractive globally and reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to strengthening partnerships across multiple sectors.

The Georgian president concluded by inviting his Slovak counterpart to visit Georgia, expressing confidence that bilateral dialogue would continue at a high level.