EU Ambassador’s visit to Samegrelo region

The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczyński, visited the Samegrelo region to reaffirm the EU’s firm and long-standing commitment to the people of Georgia. The three-day regional visit highlighted the EU’s continued support for youth engagement, civil society, conflict-affected communities, cultural heritage, and rural development.

Throughout the visit, Ambassador Herczyński met a wide range of local partners — from young people in Poti and Zugdidi to women entrepreneurs and farmers benefiting from EU-funded programmes.

“Every conversation I had in Samegrelo — with young people, women entrepreneurs, farmers, and families living near the ABL — reminded me of the extraordinary heart and resilience of the Georgian people. Your aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, European Georgia are powerful and genuine. The EU stands with you because we believe in your future, your potential, and your unwavering spirit.” Said Pawel Herczyński.

The mission began with a strong focus on youth. The Ambassador met with young people in Poti and opened the “Bookshelf – Europe Edition” in Zugdidi, engaging students in lively discussions about opportunities, and their vision for Georgia’s future.

On 2 December, the visit continued with a culturally rich and community-driven agenda at the Studia Mosaica Crafts Centre, where the EU-funded EU4Dialogue programme supported young people in restoring shared public art heritage. The day also included meetings with local CSOs and media representatives. The Ambassador additionally met with women entrepreneurs whose small businesses have been strengthened through EU assistance.

Reaffirming the EU’s commitment to conflict-affected communities, the Ambassador visited the Rukhi consultation centre (CHCA, also under EU4Dialogue) near the Administrative Boundary Line — an initiative providing essential psychological and legal assistance to those who need it most.

The mission concluded with a visit to Kakhati village, where Ambassador Herczyński met with ENPARD IV beneficiaries. The visit highlighted how EU support is helping rural women modernise production, create new opportunities, and drive local economic development.