Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says he is ready to fly to Brussels “today” to discuss visa liberalization recommendations with any top EU official — be it the European Commissioner, the High Representative, or the President of the European Council. However, he claims the EU is refusing dialogue and instead sends “ultimatums by mail.”
“What do we get in return? A Soviet approach,” Kobakhidze said, accusing EU institutions of avoiding discussions and behaving like the Soviet leadership, which used to send impersonal telegrams instead of engaging in dialogue.
He argued that the EU has treated Georgia unfairly since the 2020 elections and blamed then-EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell for allegedly fueling political unrest. Kobakhidze claimed that the EU continues to act without fairness or transparency: “If they had truth on their side, they wouldn’t fear a discussion.”
“We left the model of a union government back in the late ’80s,” he added. “Georgia needs fair partnership and dialogue — not bureaucratic pressure and inquisitorial methods.”
Related story: Mdinaradze: EU using visa threats to stir fear and pressure Georgians
