On May 9, Europe Day, an important discussion took place in two different places in Tbilisi: the Rustaveli Theater and the Orbeliani Palace. The events were hosted by the EU delegation and Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, respectively. Notably absent from these events were members of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

At the Rustaveli Theater, Paweł Herczyński, the EU ambassador to Georgia, reflected on the European Commission's historic decision last year to grant Georgia candidate status. He expressed his dismay, saying, "It is truly heartbreaking to witness the hesitation, confusion and divisions within Georgia, and even more disturbing are the acts of intimidation and violence." He cited a statement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reminded the audience that "Georgia is at a crossroads" and urged the nation to continue on the EU path. Herczyński emphasized that the European Commission will soon decide on the opening of accession negotiations, a process that depends on Georgia demonstrating a strong commitment to EU values and necessary reforms. "This opportunity is now. Do not miss it," he urged.

Emphasizing Georgia's potential, Ambassador Herczyński expressed the EU's eager anticipation to welcome Georgia, recognizing the inherent peace-loving and talented nature of its people, who share the EU's core values. He stressed the need for unity, proclaiming in Georgian: "Dzala ertobashia! [Strength lies in unity!], noting that Georgia's future integration into the EU depended solely on its people.

In her speech at the Orbeliani Palace, President Zourabichvili echoed von der Leyen's sentiments that Georgia was at a crucial juncture, juxtaposing its European future with a Russian past. She praised the resilience and progressive European aspirations of Georgian civil society and youth, while noting the prevalence of violence against those who resist a return to past allegiances to Russia. She condemned the acts of violence and repression as being in stark contrast to European ideals and instead resembling authoritarian tactics aimed at stifling dissent.

President Zourabichvili noted the unfortunate irony of Georgian officials' absence from the gala, which symbolically insulted Georgia's international partners. However, she encouraged the Georgian people to continue on their European path. In particular, she acknowledged the "commendable decision" of Ambassador Gotcha Javakhishvili to resign in protest against the Foreign Agents Law, illustrating it as an act of principle over subservience.