Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili criticized the European Union, claiming the country avoided economic collapse by not following Brussels’ advice.

“When Europe faces economic challenges, Georgia is growing — because we didn’t believe Brussels,” Papuashvili said, arguing that EU-backed policies like sanctions and border closures would have led to a deep recession or even war with Russia.

He accused the EU of prioritizing geopolitical goals over Georgia’s well-being and claimed EU funds supported violent protests against the government in December 2024 — a matter currently under investigation. Papuashvili called on the EU Ambassador to explain whether EU money was misused in this way.

He also said Brussels had "strayed from European values" and compared its current stance to the arrogance once shown by Moscow.

Despite tensions with the EU, Papuashvili asserted that Georgia is maintaining economic growth, peace, and stability.