Georgian PM says Christian faith underpins country’s EU aspirations

Georgian PM says Christian faith underpins country’s EU aspirations

Georgia’s prime minister said the country’s aspiration to join the European Union is rooted in its desire to be part of the traditional Western Christian world.

On August 18, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that the country’s aspiration to join the European Union is based, among other things, on the Christian faith, UOJ Georgia reports.

Kobakhidze linked the country’s current European course to the civilizational choice made by King Erekle II. According to the prime minister, in the 18th century the Georgian ruler made a fundamental decision grounded in religion and faith when he signed the Treaty of Georgievsk with the Russian Empire.

The head of government noted that before this, Christian Georgia had spent decades in vassal dependence on a Muslim state. He acknowledged that the alliance with the Russian Empire carried serious risks that later materialized, but described Erekle II’s decision as wise and the only viable option.

According to Kobakhidze, this step enabled Georgia to preserve its people, Christian identity and European culture. The prime minister stressed that modern Georgia remains committed to the same civilizational choice.

“We want to be part of the traditional Western Christian world, and this is one of the foundations of our aspiration to join the European Union,” Kobakhidze said, adding that integration into the European space is a continuation of Georgia’s historic course.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament called EU attacks on the Church a “red line.”