Tbilisi Accuses EU of Political Interference After Critical Enlargement Report
Georgia’s government responded angrily to a harsh European Union report criticizing its democratic reforms progress toward EU membership, accusing Brussels of meddling in its internal affairs.
EU's Critical Assessment
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented the annual report, stating Georgia currently has no viable path to the EU unless conditions change dramatically.
The report highlights Georgian government actions, including a crackdown on political opponents and a tilt toward Moscow, which have weakened relations with the 27-member bloc.
Georgian Government's Reaction
“A bureaucracy imbued with a hidden political agenda, an arrogant attitude, and disrespect for all countries that do not display blind obedience, attempting to make independent decisions and exercise the sovereign right to govern the state,”
Georgian parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused the EU of blackmail
and said pressure on Georgia does not work.
Context of the Enlargement Report
The annual progress report evaluates 10 candidate countries on their journey to join the EU by reviewing 33 policy chapters. These countries include Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. The report checks whether candidate governments align their laws, finances, and policies with EU standards.
Author's Summary: Georgia firmly rejects the EU’s critical stance and accusations of interference amid stalled accession talks, highlighting deep tensions in the enlargement process.