Paweł Herczyński: While recent anti-European rhetoric severely damages our close bond with Georgia, it cannot alter it - we wish the Georgian voice to ring out clearly and loudly within Europe's polyphony

The friendship between the EU and Georgia starts since the very beginning of Georgia’s independence. While recent anti-European rhetoric severely damages this close bond, it cannot alter it, - Paweł Herczyński, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, stated while addressing the "Europe Day 2026" event organized by the EU Delegation in Telavi.

According to him, the EU will continue supporting Georgia’s democratic and European future.

The Ambassador addressed the guests in Georgian.

“Dear friends, good afternoon,

Apologies for my „Broken Georgian“, but I would still like to address you in your beautifull language as a sign of respect.

I am happy that this year, for the first time, we celebrate the Europe Day in Kakheti. The place where free Georgian spirit, culture and traditions are especially well felt. The treasure that Georgia brings to Europe.

You know that the European Union is neither a new nor, certainly, an alien story. In a world full of challenges, for nearly 80 years we have remained an island of peace, democratic development and economic prosperity.

What we have achieved was built through hard work, dedication, and commitment to our shared values. Our unity is precious to us. This is why we want to share it with those who will respect our common rules.

The EU resembles Georgian polyphonic music. 27 independent states create a strong unity, just as individual voices create a unified melody. We wish the Georgian voice to ring out clearly and loudly within Europe's polyphony.

The friendship between the EU and Georgia starts since the very beginning of Georgia’s independence. While recent anti-European rhetoric severely damages this close bond, it cannot alter it; The history built over decades can not be rewritten or forgotten in just few years. We will continue supporting Georgia’s democratic and European future.

You do not have to choose to be either Georgians or Europeans. You can be both. You are both.

And since we are in Kakheti today, let me finish my speech with the toast:

„Such is the passing world – Night gives way to dawn. What hatred has destroyed, Love has built anew.”

Long live to Georgia, long live to Europe!

Go forward Georgia, go forward!”, said the ambassador.