Tbilisi’s Foreign Minister Blames Kyiv for “Negative Attitude”
On November 6, 2025, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili accused Ukraine of allegedly obstructing Georgia’s path to European Union membership. She claimed that “Ukraine demonstrated a negative attitude toward Georgia’s European integration process in order to prevent the country from obtaining candidate status.” Bochorishvili asserted that Kyiv had “openly campaigned against Georgia’s EU aspirations in 2022–2023,” adding that “we all saw it happen.”
Tbilisi’s Stance on Security and EU Relations
Bochorishvili stated that Georgia’s position on security matters “aligns with the approach of EU and NATO member states,” emphasizing that “no one wants to confront Russia or create additional security challenges.” She underlined that the government’s “primary duty is to avoid threats to the country.” At the same time, she insisted that Georgia “has always declared political support for Ukraine” and continues to maintain that stance.
However, the minister also criticized the European Commission’s 2025 Enlargement Report, which highlighted Georgia’s “serious democratic backsliding, rapid erosion of the rule of law, and significant restrictions on fundamental rights.” Bochorishvili dismissed these findings as “distorted and far from reality.”
Democratic Backsliding and Closer Ties with Russia
Since the ruling Georgian Dream party came to power, the country has shown a systemic drift away from democratic standards. The European Commission explicitly pointed to the collapse of judicial independence and growing limitations on political freedoms. Simultaneously, Georgia’s increasing rapprochement with Russia has raised concerns among pro-European politicians and civil society.
In late 2024, the government announced it would delay EU accession talks until 2028, citing the need for domestic reforms. The move triggered mass protests across the country, with thousands of demonstrators in Tbilisi waving EU flags and demanding a return to the pro-European course—demands the government ignored.
Growing Authoritarianism and Repression
Amid tensions with Brussels, the Georgian Dream government has strengthened its authoritarian grip. It filed a constitutional complaint seeking to ban three major opposition parties: the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and Strong Georgia – Lelo. Many opposition figures, including former President Mikheil Saakashvili, remain imprisoned, reflecting a sharp decline in political pluralism and democratic freedoms.
Shifting Blame Toward Ukraine
Analysts view Bochorishvili’s accusations as an attempt by Tbilisi to deflect responsibility for its internal political failures. By portraying Ukraine as an obstacle to EU integration, the Georgian government seeks to shift attention away from its own authoritarian trajectory and conflicts with European institutions. Ukraine, as non-EU member, has no role in the European Commission’s decisions regarding candidate status.
Ukraine’s Consistent Support
Kyiv has consistently supported Georgia’s European aspirations despite political differences with its current leadership. Ukrainian officials have reiterated that the Georgian people deserve EU membership, stressing solidarity and shared resistance to Russian aggression.
In essence, Bochorishvili’s remarks mark a further deterioration in Georgian-Ukrainian relations and underscore Tbilisi’s growing isolation amid its democratic decline.
