Herczynski Says Georgia's Future Depends on Its People, Reaffirms EU's Readiness to Resume Accession Process
By Messenger Staff
Thursday, November 5, 2026
The European Union remains ready to resume Georgia's accession process if the country returns to the path of European integration, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski has said, while emphasizing that the country's future must be decided by its people.
Herczynski said Georgia's EU accession process had been halted as a result of the Georgian government's undemocratic actions, legislation and anti-European rhetoric, while other countries continue to move forward. However, he stressed that Georgia retains its candidate status and that the EU's door remains open.
"If you ask me what my message is, I believe it has two parts. Unfortunately, there is a bad message, and there is also a good message. The bad message is that, as a result of the Georgian government's undemocratic actions, legislation, and anti-European rhetoric, Georgia's accession process has been halted-at a time when other countries are moving forward. That is the bad message. But the good message is that Georgia remains a candidate country, that the door remains open to you, and that when the day comes-whether under this government or any future administration-that there is a shift in attitude and approach, and a return to the path of EU enlargement, we will always be ready!
Georgia's future lies in the hands of the Georgian people-and no one else's. As the European Union, we fully respect this. There are many differences, but I believe this is the most striking distinction between us-the European Union-and the Soviet Union. You must decide where you wish to be. I hope that the good will prevail. You are marking 1,700 years of Christianity. I know I am biased-I love Georgia very much-but listen to your anthem-when you listen to it, it's hard to hold back tears. Freedom! Georgians are a freedom-loving people. Therefore, regardless of the situation, I personally do not lose hope; however, the future of the country is ultimately for the Georgians to decide," stated Herczynski.
