Prepared by Messenger Staff
EU Ambassador Says Georgia Does Not Have to Choose Between Identity and European Integration
EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski said Georgia does not have to choose between preserving its national identity and pursuing European integration, calling the idea a "false dilemma."
Speaking to students at St. Andrew's Georgian University (SANGU), Herczynski said the university demonstrated that it was possible to remain rooted in Georgian traditions while being open, modern and internationally connected.
"We have often heard that Georgia supposedly has to choose between preserving its own identity and European integration. You do not have to make such a choice. It is a false dilemma," Herczynski said.
He said Georgia could remain deeply rooted in its traditions and Christianity while also remaining open to the outside world and benefiting from European integration.
Herczynski also congratulated teachers and future teachers on their professional day, saying the profession was personally important to him because both his mother and father were teachers.
"There are many things I love about Georgia. I am not afraid to say it very openly: I love Georgia," he said.
Samadashvili Says Moldova's EU Progress Contradicts Government's 'Second Front' Claim
Strong Georgia-Lelo leader Salome Samadashvili said Moldova's progress toward EU membership contradicts the Georgian Dream government's claim that European integration would require opening a "second front" against Russia.
Samadashvili said Moldova had not opened a second front and was instead receiving EU support to strengthen its security and defense capabilities while advancing toward membership.
She also said Moldova's progress followed the removal of an oligarch from political control, while accusing Bidzina Ivanishvili of consolidating power in Georgia and saying the country had consequently been removed from the EU accession agenda.
Her remarks followed European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos's statement that Moldova was advancing toward EU membership at an impressive pace, with two more negotiation clusters expected to open soon.
