ISTANBUL

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed disappointment Sunday over Georgia's leadership moving away from European Union values while reaffirming the EU’s support for the Georgian people and their European aspirations.

"We regret the Georgian leadership's shift away from the EU and its values," she said in a statement on X, voicing concern over Georgia's recent political direction.

Despite this, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s unwavering support for the Georgian people, saying "the EU stands with the people of Georgia and their choice for a European future."

The European leader reassured that the EU’s invitation remains intact, adding "the door to the EU remains open."

However, she stressed that the next steps depend on Georgia’s leaders.

"The return of Georgia on the EU path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership," she said.

The statement followed escalating tensions between Georgia and the EU.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze recently accused European politicians of meddling in the country’s internal affairs and using EU funds as leverage.

"Considering all this, we have decided not to put the start of EU accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028," Kobakhidze said last week.

The European Parliament has also called for a rerun of Georgia's Oct. 26 parliamentary elections, citing democratic concerns.

The announcement sparked mass protests by opposition groups and pro-EU activists, who have since taken to the streets demanding reforms and greater alignment with European values.