On March 5, Paweł Herczyński, the European Union's Ambassador to Georgia, commented on the resolution passed by the European Parliament, including discussions about the release of Mikheil Saakashvili. 

He clarified that the resolution was an initiative originating from within the European Parliament itself. Herczyński emphasized that members of the European Parliament have the freedom to express their opinions, as they are accountable to their constituents. He underscored that the European Parliament, as one of the institutions of the European Union, has the right to voice its views freely.

Regarding the European Union's stance, Herczyński stated that EU leaders and commissioners have already articulated their positions. He mentioned that the EU closely monitors Saakashvili's health condition and urges the Georgian authorities to uphold all his rights as a prisoner and a defendant in court. Furthermore, he reiterated the EU's willingness to assist Georgia and its authorities if they seek EU involvement in any capacity.

Moreover, Herczyński expressed his hopes for a national consensus and collaborative efforts toward European integration despite the upcoming pre-election campaign in Georgia. He highlighted the significant milestone achieved in December of the previous year, where all 27 European Union member states granted Georgia candidate status for EU membership. He emphasized the importance of this decision, as it formally positions Georgia as a candidate country for EU accession. However, he noted that there are several stages to progress through before accession negotiations can commence.

Herczyński explained, "The next crucial stage involves the opening of accession negotiations, which necessitates the completion of nine specific steps outlined by the EU." He mentioned ongoing efforts to evaluate the status of these nine steps through consultations with civil society, business sectors, and the government. Herczyński expressed optimism that by October of the current year, progress on these steps will be substantial enough to warrant a positive recommendation from the European Commission, leading to a unanimous decision by the 27 member states to commence accession negotiations in December.

While refraining from assessing the current level of implementation of the nine steps, Herczyński stressed the importance of inclusivity and cooperation among political leaders, regardless of the upcoming elections. He emphasized the need for constructive engagement from the opposition and the active involvement of civil society in advancing the European integration agenda.