Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has rejected recent criticism from the European Union over detentions, legislation and the treatment of civil society and opposition figures in Georgia, accusing Brussels of relying on what he described as a distorted account of events in the country.

Papuashvili was responding to remarks by Michele Cervone d’Urso, the EU’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who told a UN Human Rights Council session that the EU was concerned about the use of the judiciary against civil society organizations and measures affecting opposition representatives, human rights defenders and independent media.

The EU representative also stated that Georgia should repeal or substantially revise recently adopted legislation that, in the EU’s assessment, does not meet international human rights standards. Brussels further urged Tbilisi to align its policies with international standards and engage in dialogue aimed at rebuilding confidence in democratic institutions.

Papuashvili disputed the EU’s assessment, called it disinformation, and accused European officials of continuing to rely on what he called a “false narrative” about developments in Georgia. He argued that Brussels’ approach does not correspond to what the Georgian authorities regard as the facts surrounding recent protests, court proceedings and arrests.

In a separate statement, Papuashvili also emphasized that the latest EU position demonstrated that Brussels’ policy toward Georgia had reached a “dead end.” He compared the EU’s approach to that of a soldier who had failed to realize that a war was over and continued preparing for another battle.

According to Papuashvili, improving relations would require Brussels to change its approach, reduce what he called aggressive rhetoric, and recognize Georgia’s sovereignty and political choices. Georgian Parliament Speaker concluded that Georgia remained interested in relations with Europe and the EU, but claimed that the current course pursued by EU institutions was making closer ties more difficult.