**Georgia Misses Out on European Union Meeting**
The country of Georgia was noticeably absent from the recent informal gathering of the EU’s foreign ministers in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting, which took place on May 7-8, aimed to discuss Europe’s foreign and security policy.
Despite being granted candidate status in 2023, Georgia did not receive an invitation to participate. European Commission Vice President Marta Kos expressed her disappointment on social media, stating that “there is no better way to celebrate Europe Day than with our candidate countries.”
EU officials cited democratic backsliding and a weakening commitment to European values as the reason for Georgia’s exclusion from the meeting.
**What Led to Georgia’s Exclusion?**
In response to questions about Georgia’s absence, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski stated that the country had failed to demonstrate progress or political will since receiving candidate status. He emphasized that Georgia’s actions and decisions over the past year have moved the country further away from EU membership.
German Ambassador to Georgia Peter Fischer added that the EU decided to suspend high-level contacts with the Georgian government in June last year due to the current crisis. He expressed hope that Georgia would “return to the right path.”
**Reactions from Georgian Officials**
Georgian officials responded sharply to the news, accusing EU officials of acting unfairly towards the country.
GD Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated longstanding accusations that EU officials had acted unjustly towards Georgia. He claimed that European officials were operating under directives from the “Deep State” and accused them of opposing Georgian national interests.
GD Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili described the decision as an “unfriendly act” by the Polish government, accusing Polish officials of harboring sympathies for former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
**Double Standards?**
GD Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili pushed back against claims of democratic erosion, calling the non-invitation a “double standard.” She emphasized that there is no less democracy in Georgia than anywhere else and that the EU should respect the country’s choice to pursue integration.
The controversy highlights the complexities of Georgia’s relationship with the European Union. While the country has made progress towards integration, it still faces challenges related to democratic backsliding and the rule of law.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Georgia’s exclusion from the EU meeting will have significant implications for the country’s relations with Europe.
