Prepared by Messenger Staff
EU Ambassador: Georgia's Eurointegration on Hold, Democracy at Risk
European Union Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski expressed concern over the current state of Georgia's European integration, warning that the country's path to EU membership is now stalled and its democratic development under threat.
Speaking at the Europe Day event in Batumi, Herczynski stressed that Georgia risks missing a historic opportunity to become a full member of the European Union.
"Today, Georgia's Eurointegration is on hold. Unfortunately, Georgia may lose its historic opportunity to join the European Union for a long time," said the Ambassador. "Moreover, Georgia's democracy is again in danger."
He reminded attendees of the progress made in the past, noting that Georgia and the EU share a "long history of successful partnership" that has brought tangible benefits to citizens.
"Look around and see what the EU has done in your villages and cities," he said.
Herczynski recalled the milestone reached in 2023, when Georgia was granted EU candidate status. "We celebrated that historic moment together," he said. "Being a member of the European family is an opportunity, not an obligation. It is based on the sovereign choice of the people and the state."
The Ambassador emphasized that EU membership is not merely symbolic, but represents a concrete commitment to values and principles.
"The reality is that EU membership means peace and prosperity. It means respecting the history, culture, and traditions of our countries - that is why we are together," he said.
Despite the current political climate, Herczynski reaffirmed the EU's continued support for Georgia, if the country recommits to democratic reforms.
"If Georgia returns to the path of democratic development, we are ready to work together for Georgia's accession to the European Union," he stated. "We are proud to be friends of Georgia."
Zourabichvili: Georgia's Struggle Is Against Russia's Hybrid War
Speaking at the National Congress of the Union for the Salvation of Romania in Bucharest, Georgia's fifth President Salome Zourabichvili stated that Georgia is facing an existential struggle, not just a political crisis. "It is a war - a war against Russia's new hybrid strategy," she said, emphasizing that for eight months Georgians have been protesting in the streets without backing down.
Zourabichvili warned that Russia has changed its approach, aiming to take control of Georgia without bloodshed through propaganda, cyberattacks, and manipulation. "This is not just about contested elections. This is Russia's attempt to seize what does not belong to it," she said, adding that 20 percent of Georgia remains under Russian occupation.
She argued that Georgia's fight is part of a broader European security challenge. "A strong and democratic Georgia is a smart investment in Europe's peace, prosperity, and long-term security," she said, urging EU member states to recognize the threat. Highlighting Russia's naval build-up in occupied Abkhazia, she called for Europe to be vigilant. "Become Georgia's voice so that these threats are properly recognized," she concluded.
