Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze emphasized on Monday that his Government’s “top” foreign policy priority is the country’s integration into the European Union.
Speaking at a Government meeting, Kobakhidze stated that the government’s approach focuses on “action instead of blackmail,” reaffirming the country’s commitment to pursuing full EU integration. “We must continue on the path towards full-fledged integration into the European Union,” he said.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that Georgia plans to meet over 90 percent of the commitments outlined in the Association and Free Trade Agreements with the EU. “This pledge will be delivered faithfully,” he added.
Kobakhidze also discussed the upcoming leadership changes in both the United States and the European Union, expressing optimism for improved relations with Georgia’s western partners. “We have great hope that relations with both the United States and the European Union will be qualitatively rebooted,” he said. With the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, Kobakhidze expressed confidence that the new leadership would bring a fresh opportunity to strengthen ties.
Reflecting on the past four years, the Prime Minister acknowledged that relations with Georgia’s western allies had faced significant challenges, citing “artificial obstacles” and “blatant blackmail” that hindered Georgia’s progress toward EU integration. “Action instead of blackmail – this is our attitude, and with this attitude, we must continue our path towards Georgia’s full integration into the European Union,” Kobakhidze concluded.
On Sunday, Kobakhidze had addressed claims that the Government had suspended Georgia’s EU integration process, rejecting these as “falsehoods” following his announcement of a delay in the EU accession talks until 2028.
