Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused civil society groups supported by the EU of inciting xenophobia under the guise of pro-European values. In a strongly worded social media post, Papuashvili responded to recent remarks by civil activist Baia Pataraia, alleging that EU-funded NGOs are fostering hatred based on nationality.

"Yes, this is xenophobia, funded and encouraged by the EU Embassy," Papuashvili wrote. "The fact that 'Russia is waging war' does not justify targeting individuals based on their nationality."

He argued that while many nations have engaged in warfare, it is morally unacceptable to use such conflicts as a justification for promoting national hatred. Citing Georgia's long history of surviving conflict without descending into hatred, Papuashvili said such xenophobic tendencies stand in direct contradiction to Georgian values—and should also contradict European ones.

"The goal of this new wave of so-called pro-European xenophobia is to incite hatred and violence," he claimed, adding that the EU Embassy "will neither condemn nor distance itself from the xenophobic rhetoric promoted by the very groups it funds."

Referring to a 2022 incident in which a woman was allegedly attacked on Tbilisi’s Chavchavadze Avenue because she appeared Slavic, Papuashvili recalled it was later revealed the victim had lived in Georgia for years. He claimed this episode was part of a broader trend by "so-called NGOs" that feel "alien to Georgian society" due to their promotion of views he described as hostile and divisive.

Concluding his statement, Papuashvili criticized what he anticipates as the EU’s response: "As usual, Brussels’ spokesperson will call it ‘disinformation,’ even when someone is called a ‘pig’ based on their nationality and we label it xenophobia."

The EU Embassy has not yet responded publicly to Papuashvili’s accusations.