“Brussels knows very well what needs to be done to improve relations: stop using EU budget funds to finance violence, propaganda, hate speech, and election interference in Georgia. We’re waiting for appropriate action,” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated.

Papuashvili responded to remarks made by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos during an interview with Radio Free Europe. She stated, “I don’t like when a government disregards its people. The Georgian people have a strong desire to pursue the European path. We will continue our efforts in this regard. I cannot accept that we might lose Georgia, even if the government repeatedly enacts laws that clearly contradict European values.”

“First and foremost, Georgia is not going anywhere. We are firmly rooted in our place and remain an integral part of European civilization, contributing to its development, including the modern Europe characterized by democracy and the protection of rights. The Georgian people have been co-creators of this journey since the establishment of our first republic.

Concerning our relationship with the EU, we have consistently expressed the attitudes and grievances of the Georgian people, and Brussels is fully aware of them. Therefore, Brussels understands what needs to be done. First and foremost, EU budget funds should not be used to finance violence, propaganda, hate speech, or electoral interference in Georgia—issues we have unfortunately witnessed. These are the very concerns that the Georgian people express as grievances. Brussels knows precisely what steps need to be taken to improve our relations, and we are waiting for those actions to be initiated,” stated Papuashvili.

These are precisely the concerns that the Georgian people have grievances about. Brussels knows very well what needs to be done to improve relations. We are waiting for appropriate steps,” said Papuashvili.

Papuashvili noted that Brussels avoids confronting problems.

“After the new U.S. administration exposed harmful practices in foreign aid allocation, we expected the EU to similarly scrutinize how its funds were involved in financing detrimental processes in other countries, including Georgia. We have occasionally uncovered instances where initiatives like the Molotov cocktail campaign were funded by the EU. We learned that radical parties received financing from the EU budget, which is prohibited by law. Additionally, propaganda media outlets were supported by this budget. Activists from various NGOs, who are paid through EU funds, have been spreading hate speech and fostering division among people.

Brussels must critically examine these issues—this is what the Georgian people are asking for. These steps are essential for restoring relations with the Georgian public to the level we desire. Unfortunately, we have yet to see decisive action in this regard. Instead, it appears that Brussels is avoiding these problems rather than confronting them, in stark contrast to the approach taken by the new U.S. administration. No matter how much Brussels tries to ignore the situation, the issues will not disappear; in fact, these harmful practices will eventually come to light, damaging the EU’s reputation, particularly in the eyes of the Georgian people,” Papuashvili stated.