Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, has criticized Brussels’ decision not to invite Tbilisi to a forum on European Union enlargement. Georgian authorities were instead invited to a different event—a ministerial conference on connectivity—but at a lower level of representation.
"If there is no proper invitation, there will be no participation from our side in such meetings," Papuashvili stated, commenting on the European Commission’s position.
He characterized Brussels’ actions as an act of arrogance and a "disrespect for the sovereignty" of Georgia, drawing a parallel between the attitude of European officials and the policies of Soviet-era Moscow.
"This is, frankly, a petty decision. It speaks to the overall immaturity of the EU bureaucracy. It’s simply ridiculous: when they talk about the 'Middle Corridor,' do they intend to fly over Georgia, leapfrog it, or what? I cannot fathom it. What Brussels is doing shows a lack of respect for the Georgian people, for their sovereignty, and for our country’s independence. This is how Moscow used to treat us, and now Brussels is repeating the steps of Soviet Moscow.
Such a dismissive attitude ultimately reveals that they identify with Soviet Moscow—and they shouldn't take offense at the comparison. Through their condescending gaze and arrogant demeanor, they are effectively likening themselves to Soviet Moscow," Papuashvili declared.
Previously, European Commission representative Guillaume Mercier stated that Georgia’s participation in EU events is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the interests of the European Union. "Engagement with the Georgian authorities will remain limited until they demonstrate a firm commitment to changing their current political course, as outlined in the enlargement report," concluded Mercier.
The EU Enlargement Forum serves as a platform for discussing the prospects of new countries joining the European Union, the necessary reforms, and the geopolitical implications of the bloc’s expansion. This year, the forum will take place in Brussels on November 15–16 under the theme "A Wider Europe — A Stronger Europe."
Participants will include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, as well as leaders from candidate countries—Moldovan President Maia Sandu and the prime ministers of Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The event will also bring together representatives from European institutions, EU member state ministers, the business community, and civil society.
Georgia will be represented at the forum not by its government, but by civil society; Nino Dolidze is scheduled to take part in one of the discussions, where she will address the role of civil society organizations and local authorities in the EU enlargement process.
