Georgia’s rights in the European Union discussion attract strong criticism from the Georgian side. The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, underscored concerns that Georgia, along with Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, faces unequal treatment within EU processes. He argued that it is unfair to move ahead with accession talks for those other states while Georgia is not granted the same pathway, expressing a sense of frustration over what he described as a double standard that harms Tbilisi’s international standing and prospects.
According to Papuashvili, Georgia stands at the forefront on multiple objective indicators, including political reforms, governance, and economic stability, yet perceives discrimination within EU decision-making. He emphasized that Georgia consistently demonstrates leadership in many areas and urged the European Union to acknowledge this effort with fair, timely decisions that reflect Georgia’s achievements and potential. The representative urged EU institutions to reassess their approach and to treat Georgia with the same consideration afforded to other neighboring states in the region.
In a move shaped by these discussions, the Georgian leadership called for a balanced assessment of Georgia’s path toward EU membership. The parliamentarian urged the European Union to align its actions with the realities on the ground, arguing that Georgia’s progress warrants clear, predictable milestones and transparent criteria that can guide future negotiations rather than ambiguity that leaves Georgia waiting for a signal for too long.
On March 22, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, stated that the EU could officially begin negotiations on Ukraine’s accession by the end of June that year. He also noted that while this timeline for Ukraine is set, no exact date had been announced yet for the start of dialogue with Moldova or for any potential parallel discussions with Georgia. The emphasis remained on Ukraine at that juncture, with Moldova and Georgia awaiting a formal decision that would set their own schedules within the broader European enlargement agenda.
Earlier, on March 21, reports indicated that EU heads of state and government agreed to initiate membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This development was presented as a significant step in the EU’s eastern and southeastern enlargement efforts, signaling a readiness to engage with Western Balkan states while regional partners in the South Caucasus prepared to watch closely how the European Union balanced its commitments across its eastern neighbourhoods. In related commentary, Georgian officials had remarked on Georgia’s strategic position and its defense partnerships, including ongoing discussions about Georgia’s level of alignment with NATO frameworks and the implications for regional security and stability. These conversations highlighted the broader debate over how geopolitical alliances influence EU accession timelines and security-related partnerships in the region.