**EU Spat with Georgia Heats Up: Both Sides Trade Blows**
The situation between the European Union (EU) and the government of Georgia is escalating, with both sides accusing each other of spreading misinformation. At the center of the controversy are statements made by the EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Anouar El Anouni, which strongly condemned the Georgian authorities’ disinformation and baseless accusations regarding the EU’s role in Georgia.
In response to the EU statement, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, has fired back, saying that labeling certain views as “Russian” is already an answer. This suggests that the Georgian government feels that the EU is not taking its concerns seriously and is instead resorting to what it sees as a tactic of intimidation.
**EU Condemns Disinformation and Personal Attacks**
The EU statement called out the Georgian authorities for spreading false information, claiming that the EU was trying to destabilize Georgia, drag it into war, or impose so-called “non-traditional values”. The EU said that these claims were deliberate attempts to mislead the public and undermine the democratic and European path of Georgia.
Furthermore, the EU strongly condemned personal attacks against its Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herchinsky. The statement noted that the Ambassador plays a vital role in developing EU-Georgia relations and enjoys the full trust and support of the EU.
**EU Calls for Reconciliation**
In a call for reconciliation, the EU urged all political actors in Georgia to refrain from spreading disinformation and personal attacks. Instead, it encouraged them to work towards a European future for their people. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to being a consistent and reliable partner to Georgia and reiterated its unwavering support for the country’s territorial integrity.
As tensions between the EU and Georgian government continue to rise, one thing is clear: both sides will need to find common ground if they are to move forward towards a European future.
