Interview: Giorgi Baramidze. Georgia's dream receives an ultimatum from the EU

Giorgi Baramidze, Georgian politician, former Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Defense, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia, and former Acting Prime Minister of Georgia.

Vitalii Barvynenko:
Good day, dear friends. This is Vitalii Barvynenko from the Danube Research Institute. You can watch our program on our YouTube channel and find the text version on our website.

Today, I’m joined by Mr. Giorgi Baramidze — a well-known Georgian politician who has held the positions of Member of Parliament, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Defense, Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia, and also served as Acting Prime Minister.

Mr. Baramidze, thank you for taking the time to join us.

Giorgi Baramidze:
Thank you very much for the invitation. Greetings to all viewers.

Vitalii Barvynenko:
Thank you again for being with us. Today, we would like to discuss the critical issues concerning Georgia and its relations with the European Union, especially in light of the eight conditions set by the EU to maintain the visa-free regime. Given your extensive experience, your perspective on this issue — which is being actively discussed in Ukrainian and European media — is very valuable. How do you assess the situation around these eight EU points, and do you agree with Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s comparison of Brussels to Moscow?

Giorgi Baramidze:
Good day, Vitalii. Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, I must say with regret that Georgia is not only at the lowest level of its relationship with the European Union, but is in open confrontation with it. This is the result of the treacherous policies of the current ruling "criminal and traitorous gang" of Ivanishvili. I could never have imagined such a reversal. After the reforms and efforts of President Saakashvili’s government, when we opened all paths for integration with NATO and the EU, the current authorities, upon coming to power, not only pretended to continue, but outright dismantled everything.

The so-called Prime Minister Kobakhidze even declared a halt to Georgia’s EU membership process a year ago — a direct violation of our Constitution. Since then, they’ve passed anti-European, anti-Western laws — some of which haven’t even been adopted in Russia or Belarus — trying to model a regime in Georgia resembling Kadyrov’s rule. This is unthinkable, especially considering that Georgia used to be a leader in European integration among Eastern Partnership countries.

EU Conditions and Visa-Free Travel

Vitalii Barvynenko:
These eight points are directly linked to visa-free travel. You mentioned that you are asking the EU not to go down that path. You’re speaking on behalf of Georgia’s democratic opposition? How can the EU strike a balance between pressuring the ruling Georgian authorities to comply with European standards without punishing the Georgian people?

Giorgi Baramidze:
Exactly. We are the democratic opposition of Georgia. On the one hand, we urge the European Union not to sanction the Georgian people. The visa-free regime is a major achievement that gives Georgians comfort and motivation. For a country like Georgia, with no land border with the EU, this is especially crucial. We don’t want our people to suffer because of these traitors.

On the other hand, we are calling on the EU to impose strict personal sanctions against the leader of this criminal gang, Bidzina Ivanishvili, his associates, members of the so-called parliament and government, and hundreds of business elites who enrich themselves through unfair competition. These people denounce the West at every opportunity, but they enjoy vacations, investments, and education in the West. They must feel the consequences — not the Georgian people. That is the difference we are asking for. This is the common position of the entire pro-European opposition.

Opposition Coordination and Role of President Zourabichvili

Vitalii Barvynenko:
Is there a coordination center or body within the opposition that speaks with one voice to EU institutions? And what role does President Zourabichvili play in the current political crisis?

Giorgi Baramidze:
We don’t have a rigid, hierarchical structure, but when it comes to messaging and relations with Western partners, with NATO and the EU, we do have certain coordination formats, and this system works fairly well.

However, there are deep divisions within the opposition over participation in the so-called local elections on October 4, which we consider to be a “Russian special operation.” The situation is getting worse: not only is President Saakashvili imprisoned, but also leaders of nearly all key opposition parties, along with hundreds of young protesters on Rustaveli Avenue. The authorities have changed election laws to make the process even less transparent.

As for Salome Zourabichvili, her role — excuse me — is that of a clown. She holds no real influence. It is a disgrace that such an unqualified individual is called the President of Georgia — especially after the presidents we have had.

Influence of Neighboring Countries and Regime Logic

Vitalii Barvynenko:
We are witnessing dramatic shifts in Armenia and foreign policy changes in Azerbaijan. Is the Georgian regime aware that neighboring South Caucasus countries are choosing a different path? How dependent are they on Russia?

Giorgi Baramidze:
There is only one logic — submission to Putin. Years ago, Putin and the Russian security services sent Ivanishvili to Georgia, gave him billions of dollars to carry out a special operation against President Saakashvili and our government. What they couldn’t achieve with tanks in 2008, they accomplished through soft power.

That’s why Ivanishvili follows Putin’s plan to the letter.

Visa-Free Cancellation and Future Scenarios

Vitalii Barvynenko:
How likely do you think it is that visa-free travel will be suspended on August 31, 2025? And how might events unfold in Georgia afterwards? Will this fuel protest sentiment or further isolate the country in a "Russian ghetto"?

Giorgi Baramidze:
Of course, losing visa-free travel would be devastating for Georgian society, because it is extremely important. But it would also infuriate many Georgians, including those currently on the sidelines.

Still, I’m confident that the attempts at “Belarusification” or “Chechenization” of Georgia will not succeed. Georgia is not a country that can be easily reshaped or pushed around. The Georgian people, who have fought for independence, know the price of freedom.

At least 80% of Georgians want to see our country in the European Union. And the Georgian people will not forgive anyone who tries to steer it in another direction.

I am absolutely convinced that we are destined to win. It will take time, patience, endurance, and willpower. Some have lost an eye, some their health, and some their lives. This is not a symbolic struggle — this is a nationwide battle. No matter how many people Ivanishvili and his gang imprison, maim, or kill — the Georgian people will prevail.

Vitalii Barvynenko:
Mr. Baramidze, thank you for this candid and powerful interview. We’ve covered tragic and complex developments in Georgia. I wish you, the Georgian people, and Ukraine victory.
Slava Ukraini!

Giorgi Baramidze:
Heroyam Slava! Thank you.