Georgian Parliament Speaker: Georgia refused to mirror Brussels’ confrontational policy, remains constructive; EU must return to a constructive framework

“EU foreign policy is thoroughly immature and has lost its global role; today there is no major power that reckons with the EU as a global force,” Speaker of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili told Georgian journalists in Italy.

Papuashvili was asked a question regarding the European Council summit in Brussels, specifically: “Statements are being made on various topics, including energy security and the search for alternative routes, yet Georgia is again not mentioned, nor is anything said during follow-up questions. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that while an in-depth discussion on Georgia and Black Sea affairs is unlikely at this stage, both subjects may arise during broader security talks. What does it signify when not a single word is uttered about Georgia?”

In response, the Speaker stated: “When Madam Kallas says that an in-depth discussion on Georgia and Black Sea issues is not her objective, it demonstrates her superficiality.”

“Naturally, she does not delve into the depths of these issues because she is superficial in her foreign policy. This is evident, and it is precisely why EU foreign policy today is thoroughly immature and has lost its global role. Today, no major power reckons with the EU as a global force. This is the direct result of Kallas’s superficial, immature foreign policy and the European Commission in general.

Omitting Georgia from the discussion simply shows who in this relationship is taking a destructive, boycott-heavy approach and blocking progress. It is plain to see that the EU is acting destructively, whereas Georgia is taking a constructive path. We remain ready to meet them at the dialogue table. I believe confrontation is not the way. In any case, wherever the EU has opted for confrontation, it has lost itself and caused other countries to make even greater mistakes, plunging them into great adversity. Therefore, we do not intend to follow Brussels’ confrontational policy. We are already at the negotiating table, simply waiting for the Brussels representatives to join us. We are constructive. It is time for the EU to return to a constructive footing,” Shalva Papuashvili declared.