On 28 February, the President of the EU Council Charles Michel visited Georgia where he met with the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, President Salome Zourabichvili, Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani, Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze, as well as with the representatives of the opposition parties. 

Garibashvili stated that Michel’s visit was “a clear reiteration that Georgia’s region has a strategic importance for the EU.”  He also said that the visit “demonstrates the strong support and partnership of the EU.” The PM’s press service emphasised that Covid-19 issues and the humanitarian situation in Georgia’s separatist regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were discussed, as well as the current political situation in the country. 

Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili stated after the meeting with Michel that “the EU needs more stability, more democracy and economic development in Georgia.” “We talked in detail about the political situation. We agreed that this country, as never before, needs internal stability, reconciliation, dialogue. This is the only way for Georgia to receive all the dividends it needs on its way to the EU. We must realise that it is in our hands. Political responsibility from all sides means fulfilling the demands of society,” she further elaborated.  

Michel also visited the village of Khurvaleti, which borders the occupation line with the Tskhinvali region. “It is very important for me to see the situation on the ground with my own eyes. That is why I am here. You know that the EU is committed to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is also very important for the EUMM. We know that the situation is complex and difficult for the local people. I would like to tell the local people: you are not alone. The EU is committed to peace, stability and security,” he said. He noted that it was very important to strengthen ties between Georgia and Europe. 

“At the same time, it is important to implement the reforms that are needed not for Europe, but for the people of Georgia – the rule of law, the fight against corruption. It is also important to develop ambitious economic programs. Covid-19 is a big challenge in Georgia, Europe and all over the world. We will work to be able to develop a recovery strategy that is important to the people. My visit today is an opportunity to express European support for stability and security,” Michel further stressed.

One of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) Salome Samadashvili said that two key issues were discussed with Michel: the release of political prisoners and snap elections. “If the (ruling) Georgian Dream has the illusion that Mr. Michel will leave tomorrow and will no longer be interested in what is happening in our country, it will not be so. The promise we have received today is that the EU will be extremely active in overcoming the current crisis and will use all possible means to make pressure, including on the government. Our partners are well aware that it is impossible to simultaneously arrest political leaders and talk about dialogue,” she said.

The opposition representatives claimed that the EU Council President once again called on all sides for dialogue and finding a common language. However, they noted that the negotiations with the government are possible only if the political persecution in the country stops, and UNM Chairman Nika Melia and opposition leader Giorgi Rurua are released from custody.