Speech by a Portuguese MEP on Georgia

2026-10-08

Tiago Moreira de Sá is a Portuguese politician, historian, and international relations researcher, and a Member of the European Parliament representing the "Patriots for Europe" political group. Here is an excerpt from his speech at the European Parliament:

"George Steiner envisioned Europe as a map of cafés—places where people converse, disagree with one another, and reflect on freedom. He traced this map from Lisbon to Odesa; Moscow was left out. It is said that Tbilisi was home to some of the best cafés on the continent. Had Steiner crossed the Black Sea, he would have included Tbilisi on the map as well. Georgia has been a Christian, Orthodox nation since the 4th century, having preserved its language and faith against empires. Sixty percent of Georgians desire EU membership, and they know on which side of the map they wish to be. This does not depend on the governments in Tbilisi; it is up to the Georgian people to choose freedom and free elections, and to uphold the rule of law. Let us be very clear: one-fifth of Georgia’s territory remains under Russian occupation. No sovereign nation can find freedom while under occupation. Europe’s door must remain open, and a table with coffee must be waiting for Georgia."

Source: netgazeti.ge