The European Commission issued a strong rebuke to the Georgian government on Thursday, reinforcing full support for the EU Ambassador to Georgia and condemning recent attacks by ruling party officials as ‘baseless’ and part of a broader disinformation campaign.
“All attacks against the EU Ambassador and the EU’s values are groundless,” said Anita Hipper, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during a press briefing in Brussels. “What we are witnessing from ‘Georgian Dream’ is clear disinformation. ”Hipper emphasized that the Ambassador “has our full support and trust,” and that his statements “reflect and respect the EU’s position precisely.”
The comments came in response to growing tensions between Brussels and Tbilisi, as Georgian Dream officials continue to accuse European diplomats of interfering in the country’s internal affairs. The party’s primary political figures have repeatedly attacked against the EU Ambassador, as well as ambassadors from Germany and Lithuania.
Responding to a follow-up question by Euroscope editor Tamar Nutsubidze regarding Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s recent criticism of German Ambassador Peter Fischer and Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry, Hipper pointed to concrete consequences already imposed by the EU.
“Our position has been consistent and very clear towards the Georgian government and Georgian Dream,” she said. “The ongoing repression, the violence against civil society and journalists, hate speech, political detentions, this must stop.”
Hipper detailed specific measures the EU has taken in response to what it sees as a concerning authoritarian turn in Georgia. These include halting high-level political contacts, freezing direct assistance to government institutions, and redirecting funds toward civil society organizations. “In January, the Council suspended visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders,” Hipper added. “These are not just statements. These are actions.”
Brussels’ message to Tbilisi was unequivocal: support for Georgia’s European future does not mean silence in the face of increasing democratic concerns.
“Georgian authorities know perfectly well where the EU stands,” Hipper said. “And we will continue to stand by civil society, free media, and the values we share.”
