Papuashvili Accuses Brussels of 'Bipolar Disorder' over EU's Mixed Messages on Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 31, 2025
Georgian Dream Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused the European Union of sending conflicting signals to Georgia, saying Brussels acts with "bipolar disorder" in its approach to the country's sanctions policy.
"There is a second self in Brussels," Papuashvili told reporters. "If one side praises us, the other side funds Transparency International to accuse Georgia of helping to evade sanctions. This shows not double standards but bipolar disorder in Brussels."
His comments followed the publication of a letter from EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan. The letter, addressed to GD Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili and Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili, thanked Georgia "for the commitment expressed at the highest level and the steps already taken to prevent the circumvention of EU sanctions imposed on Russia."
Papuashvili said the European Union should clarify whether it considers Georgia a positive example in sanctions enforcement. "We are dealing with some kind of bipolarity," he said. "The EU's main representative on sanctions has repeatedly praised the Georgian government. Georgia, as a country bordering Russia, is naturally in a risk zone where some might try to use its territory to bypass sanctions. Despite this, the government has built a strong control system. We have not been criticized but have instead received praise, and this letter is more proof of that."
He claimed that while one side of Brussels acknowledges Georgia's achievements, another continues to finance organizations that discredit the country. "If one side praises us, the other side gives grants to Transparency International, which spreads claims that the Georgian government enables sanctions evasion," Papuashvili said. "EU money is being used for this. Brussels is funding the spread of disinformation and must decide which side is speaking."
Papuashvili also claimed that other civil society groups, such as ISFED and FactCheck, receive similar support to conduct what he called "disinformation campaigns" against Georgia.
"Brussels must decide whether Georgia deserves praise for its sanctions policy," he said. "If we are recognized for our compliance, why are they financing these campaigns? This is not about double standards but about bipolar disorder in Brussels."
