"The EU Ambassador has our full confidence, and his words reflect the reality of Georgia-EU relations. Our message to the Georgian authorities is to stop attacking the ambassador for doing his job," stated Anitta Hipper, the EU Commission’s spokesperson for foreign affairs and security, in response to a Georgian journalist’s question about recent statements made by representatives of the Georgian authorities concerning the EU Ambassador and other diplomats.

"I will start by saying that the EU Ambassador has our full confidence, and his words reflect the reality of Georgia-EU relations. Our message to the Georgian authorities is to stop attacking the ambassador for doing his job. Unfortunately, what we see from Georgia is a massive attempt to spread disinformation, and this attack once again demonstrates that it distorts what is actually happening on the ground - repression and violence against innocent protesters, civil society, and politicians," the EU Commission spokesperson noted.

According to her, this is precisely why the EU’s actions correspond to the actions of the Georgian authorities.

"This all starts at the political level with an absolute reduction of our contacts, a significant reduction in financial support to the government, and, conversely, maintaining support for civil society," the EU Commission spokesperson noted.

Additionally, she was asked about the protest held in Tbilisi under the slogan "Defend Visa-Free" and about the EU’s stance on statements by "Georgian Dream" representatives, who are already blaming Brussels in case Georgia’s visa-free regime is suspended.

"There are two issues in this regard. First: the Georgian people have our full support. We stand by the Georgian people. Second: we do not participate in blame games. We want to see real steps and encouragement toward dialogue, first and foremost with civil society, and then we will consider what options are on the table regarding improving or not improving this relationship," the EU Commission spokesperson stated.