Georgia’s Parliament speaker criticises EU ambassador, calls for ‘respect-based’ dialogue with Brussels

Georgia’s parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili has criticised remarks by the European Union’s ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, accusing him of political bias and calling for a shift towards what he described as “respect-based” relations with Brussels.

In a social media post, Papuashvili said it was inappropriate for the ambassador to comment on “the people”, arguing that such statements amounted to “political cynicism”.

He also rejected criticism of Georgia’s past and present, saying that if there had been “dark periods” in the country’s history, they were linked to external interference rather than domestic developments.

The speaker accused unnamed external actors of encouraging instability and criticised what he described as attempts to undermine Georgia’s government and institutions. He further argued that public sentiment in Georgia had been clearly demonstrated in recent events, including the 2024 elections and other national gatherings.

Papuashvili said Georgia remained open to constructive dialogue with the European Union but outlined conditions for improving relations, including an end to what he called “aggressive rhetoric”, criticism of the elected government, and what he described as hostile resolutions.

“Relations that are not based on respect cannot be considered partnership,” he said, adding that Georgia should be treated as an equal partner rather than a “peripheral colony”.

Speaking in Brussels at a photo exhibition titled Georgia in Focus, Herczynski said the coming weeks and months would determine whether Georgia continues towards European integration or risks “returning to a darker past” marked by instability and hardship.

“Georgia is at a crossroads. Its future has not yet been written, but what is decided in the coming weeks and months will determine whether it belongs to the European family, based on democracy, rule of law and human rights, or, unfortunately, returns to its dark past,” he said.

The ambassador also expressed concern over recently adopted laws restricting media outlets from receiving funding from partner countries, adding that the EU would continue to support Georgian society within the limits of the legal framework.

“My main message to the Georgian people is: do not lose hope,” he said, adding that the EU stood ready to assist Georgia’s path towards membership if the government signaled willingness to cooperate.