German Ambassador Says Georgia Drifting Away From Europe as Political Rift Widens
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, December 1, 2025
German Ambassador Peter Fischer says relations between Berlin and Tbilisi have reached a critical point and that Georgia risks losing its European future if the government continues its current course. His comments came in an interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service published on November 27, marking his first public appearance since returning from consultations in Berlin.
Ambassador Fischer has been the subject of repeated accusations by Georgian Dream officials, who claim he crossed diplomatic lines and sided with opposition groups. Fischer rejected the allegations outright, saying he has observed diplomatic standards throughout his posting. "I represent Germany and act within the boundaries the Vienna Convention sets," he said. "There has never been any interference in Georgia's domestic politics."
Fischer said that Berlin's decision to bring him back temporarily in October was a sign of deep concern. He explained that a recall is an established diplomatic measure used to protest developments in bilateral relations or to reassess the situation. According to him, all these reasons applied in this case. He added that the move also served to respond to attacks directed at him and to protect him personally.
The ambassador said German and Georgian foreign ministry officials discussed the tensions during the recall. He described the German message as a request to stop targeting him and to address concerns about deteriorating ties.
Upon his return, Fischer said he carried a clear mandate from Berlin: to inform the Georgian government that its current political direction is incompatible with EU membership. He stated that if the situation does not change, Germany will approach Georgia as a regional partner outside the framework of EU integration.
Fischer noted that his dealings with senior Georgian Dream figures were previously cordial. He said he had long maintained constructive relations with leaders who had studied in Germany and were familiar with German institutions. According to him, the current hostility reflects a political narrative that portrays outsiders as threats. "I have become a target because it fits that narrative," he said. "It is unfortunate, but it is the reality."
The ambassador also responded to the uproar over a photograph taken with an individual near the parliament building during recent protests. The image was shared online and later amplified by pro-government media. Fischer said he and his wife had been walking home after dinner when the picture was taken and that he never joined or observed a demonstration. He insisted the claims that he violated diplomatic standards are false and criticized attempts to frame the encounter as political. He also rejected suggestions that he disrespects Georgian religious traditions, saying he respects all faiths.
Fischer said Germany fully supports the European Commission's November 4 enlargement assessment, which found that Georgia does not currently meet the conditions for progress toward EU membership. He described the situation in stark terms, saying the enlargement file is effectively closed unless circumstances change.
He attributed the deterioration to decisions made by the Georgian government, including pressure on civil society groups, restrictions on freedom of assembly, and criminal proceedings against opposition figures. "The direction has shifted away from what is expected of a country seeking EU membership," he said.
The ambassador also confirmed that the annual EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue, scheduled for November 21, was postponed because the Georgian delegation insisted on sending a participant who is sanctioned by EU states. Fischer said the EU could not proceed under those conditions, calling the situation unprofessional.
Despite the tensions, he noted that the EU has left Georgia's candidate status in place, describing this as a gesture of hope that conditions in the country might eventually improve.
