MP Sharmanashvili: As sovereign nation intending to join the EU, we object to moving goalposts

“Is the European Union some sacred entity beyond criticism? As a candidate country, I have every right to object to reforms that the EU might theoretically implement. Not only do I have the right, but I have a duty, because I must explain to my people what kind of union I am leading them into,” declared parliamentary majority member, MP Tengiz Sharmanashvili, in an interview with the GPB First Channel.

Sharmanashvili was asked about Germany’s initiative to abolish the requirement for unanimous consensus in EU decision-making.

“When we embarked on this path, the EU’s rules of the game and conditions were different. The rules remain the same for now; they have not changed yet, but it is entirely right to talk about the threat that they might. I am convinced that many EU member states will voice concerns over this, as it undermines sovereignty, particularly of smaller nations.

They will find it difficult to pass this decision, as I doubt the issue will achieve full consensus within the EU. Georgia should not be viewed as a second-class country that must hop on one leg and stay silent if it dislikes something. We are a sovereign nation intending to join the bloc. We do not accept that, over time, the rules of the game might be changed by the time our accession comes to the table. I am confident that European countries will have their say in this regard,” stated Tengiz Sharmanashvili.