The Georgian Patriarchate has issued a statement responding to a letter from the European Commission which outlines eight recommendations that Tbilisi must implement to maintain its visa-free regime with the EU. The Church expressed "serious concern" over the content of the recommendations, particularly a provision calling for the repeal of a law aimed at protecting family values and restricting LGBT propaganda among minors.

In its statement, the Patriarchate wrote that the EU's latest recommendations "openly present an incompatible position," creating a conflict between supporting family traditions and pursuing the country's European integration. This, the Church noted, "causes disappointment among a significant part of the Georgian population."

The Patriarchate asserted that this new demand is "completely contrary to the principles and statements that have been disseminated over the years" by EU representatives. The statement recalled numerous meetings with high-ranking diplomats who had "always clearly explained that the process of Georgia’s integration into European structures is not connected with the propaganda of a non-traditional way of life." The Church specifically referenced past assurances made to Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II that there would be no "categorical demands or imposition of any obligations on the country’s path to joining European structures that contradict our traditions.”

Against this background, the Church described the EU's call to abolish laws protecting minors from LGBT propaganda as "very disappointing," stating that it "completely contradicts not only the teachings of God and the foundations of Christianity, but also the oral and written promises that have been repeatedly made in the past." The Patriarchate reiterated that the believing community had fully supported the laws on family values, and that even today, they believe these laws are "in all respects adequate for strengthening a healthy lifestyle in society.”

The recommendation in question from the European Commission calls on Georgia to "Avoid and repeal any legislative acts that may restrict fundamental rights and freedoms, contradict the principle of non-discrimination and do not comply with European and international standards." It specifically names the "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence" and the "legislative package on Family Values and Protection of Minors," and urges amendments to the national human rights strategy "to fully ensure the rights of LGBTIQ persons.”