Moldovan President engages in discussions with UNM leaders to advance Georgia's European cause

In a significant move towards strengthening Georgia's relationship with the European Union (EU), Tina Bokuchava, Chairperson of the United National Movement (UNM), and Giorgi Baramidze, Political Secretary of the UNM, held meetings with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi during Moldova's Independence Day celebrations in Chișinău.

Bokuchava expressed concern about Georgia being sidelined in Europe's political agenda and emphasised the need to double efforts on the foreign front and at home to achieve regime change. She reiterated that the Georgian people are waiting for the opportunity to join Europe.

By synchronising these processes, Bokuchava believes Georgia can return to the path of European integration. The UNM leadership believes Moldova's progress demonstrates that EU accession remains realistic for Georgia, given active re-engagement with European partners.

However, Bokuchava's concerns about Georgia's political situation were further highlighted by the ongoing influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, an oligarch who holds significant power in Georgian politics through his regime, which actively suppresses NGOs by freezing EU funds. This political stance hinders the United National Movement's efforts to synchronise internal and external political processes and impedes Georgia's enhanced international presence.

Despite these challenges, the meetings with Moldovan leaders were focused on strengthening Georgia's presence on the international stage. Following the meetings, Bokuchava emphasised the importance of these encounters in promoting Georgia's interests and enhancing its visibility on the global stage.

Key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, attended Moldova's Independence Day celebrations and reaffirmed the EU's strong support for Moldova's path to European integration.

No specific meetings with European leaders were mentioned by Tina Bokuchava in this context. Nevertheless, the meetings with Moldovan leaders and the presence of European leaders at Moldova's Independence Day celebrations underscore the importance of Georgia's European aspirations and the potential for closer cooperation between the two nations.

Moldovan President engages in discussions with UNM leaders to advance Georgia's European cause