On 11 July 2026, EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczynski, speaking at a Europe Day event in Batumi, stated that Georgia is not among the countries advancing towards EU membership, expressing hope that the situation is temporary. He emphasized that progress on the EU path is based on democratic development and adherence to common rules, which remain unchanged.
Herczynski praised Batumi as an open and diverse city, drawing a parallel between the city's tolerance and Europe's strength in diversity and adherence to common rules. He noted that the European Union has brought peace, prosperity, and development to its members for almost 80 years, and that enlargement continues for those who share these rules. However, he regretted that Georgia is not among them, attributing the stagnation to a lack of democratic progress.
The ambassador reaffirmed the EU's long-term commitment to Georgia as a reliable partner for over 30 years, but stressed that the rules for membership are unchanged. His remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the EU and Georgia's government over democratic backsliding, including concerns about the rule of law and media freedom. The speech did not announce any new measures or sanctions, but served as a diplomatic signal that Georgia's EU integration process remains stalled without concrete reforms.
The event, held in Batumi, included cultural celebrations and was attended by local officials and citizens. Herczynski's address was delivered in English and checked against delivery, as per standard practice.
The speech reinforces the EU's position that Georgia's accession is conditional on democratic reforms, putting pressure on the Georgian government to address EU concerns. For Georgian citizens, the message underscores that EU integration, which enjoys broad public support, is not advancing. For EU institutions, the speech maintains a consistent policy line without escalation. For businesses and investors in Georgia, the lack of progress on EU integration may dampen confidence in the country's European perspective, potentially affecting investment decisions.