On December 13th, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the Georgian people, stating that France supports Georgia’s European aspirations and respects its sovereign choice. He noted that the European Union does not use the language of threats; EU offers Georgia partnership to develop along the European path. Macron emphasizes that this progress depends on protecting democratic processes, such as freedom of expression and respect for political rights.
“My dear Georgian friends! On the eve of the first anniversary of granting Georgia candidate status, I considered it important to convey this message through this brief video. First, I want to tell you that the European aspirations of the Georgian people, as reflected in Georgia’s Constitution, cannot be betrayed. Georgia’s European dream must not fade. This European path choice is your sovereign decision, this choice to join the European family is what is being peacefully expressed today in Tbilisi and in several dozen cities across the country. By granting Georgia candidate status, the European Council responded positively to this aspiration. This choice implies fulfilling certain duties and obligations over time. The path is set, Georgia can work hand in hand with the 27 EU member states, confidently, to build this European future, or wait and postpone, but what should it wait for and why?
I return to what this European choice represents. The European Union does not impose obligations. Europe offers, by setting a path of equal partnership, for prosperity and common values. Europe does not intimidate, does not use threats. Europe does not try to sow chaos, Europe does not try to destabilize or subjugate neighbors through war or hybrid means. It does not try to sow discord or confusion among its citizens. The European Union respects the sovereign will of peoples, the history of nations and national identity, such as the millennial history of the Georgian people. The European Union does not dictate what national interest is. It respects territorial integrity, specifically Georgia’s. The European Union does not support separatists in your country.
The European Union represents a peace project, which has been the foundation of European construction since its establishment, and the European Union has never started an aggressive war against a sovereign state. Yes, Europe is solidarity, a choice for peace, collective protection of common strategic interests for one family. Europe is not blackmail, it is the acceptance of rules as a means of resolving disagreements. Georgia must decide its fate. For this, the voice of Georgians must be heard and respected.
And finally, I want to tell you once again that we stand by your side in support of your European and democratic aspirations. Georgia cannot hope to progress on the European path if peaceful demonstrations are suppressed with disproportionate use of force, if civil society organizations, journalists, opposition party members are harassed, if freedom of expression and assembly are not protected. I want to believe there is a path, in accordance with the country’s European aspirations, a path of open, courteous dialogue with all political forces and civil society organizations. This dialogue is the responsibility of all Georgians. It must allow Georgians to take their destiny back into their own hands. This is your path. That is why I have great trust in the Georgian people and great trust in everyone who cherishes this respectable European path and does not want to surrender to intimidation, propaganda, cyber attacks, information manipulation. Long live the friendship between Georgia and France, and long live Europe!”
