EU reaffirms commitment to Georgia’s regions during EU Ambassador’s visit to Akhaltsikhe

The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, visited Akhaltsikhe to reaffirm the EU’s strong support for communities across Georgia. The visit highlighted the EU’s commitment to inclusive regional development, civic engagement, and equal opportunities for all citizens, in particular Georgia’s diverse ethnic minorities.

Ambassador Herczynski met with a broad range of local partners benefiting from EU-funded programmes, including civil society organisations, youth, women entrepreneurs, elderly citizens, ethnic minority groups, and individuals with special needs.

“The EU is here to stand with communities in every corner of Georgia,” said Ambassador Herczynski. “From youth to the elderly, from entrepreneurs to civil society, our goal is to promote inclusion, and opportunity for all. The EU is not a distant partner—we are working hand in hand with the people of Georgia.”

On the first day of the visit, the EU Ambassador visited the Elderly Day Centre, the first of its kind in Samtskhe-Javakheti, co-funded by the EU, where elderly citizens benefit from social services in a safe, dedicated space. And the Ambassador met with local entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses with EU support, including a bakery run by a woman from an Armenian community and a modernised beekeeping initiative, both of which reflect the EU’s impact on local livelihoods and economic empowerment.

The Ambassador met with children with special needs and took part in the opening of Akhaltsikhe’s new “Equality Corner,” an initiative led by UNFPA and supported by the EU to foster human rights, equality, and youth participation.

A key highlight of the visit was the launch of a new EU Info Point, hosted by the Union of Democrat Meskhs under the REACT for Georgia programme. The Info Point will serve as a civic hub—providing access to information, trainings, and civic engagement opportunities for local community.

An interactive session of the EU-supported “Bookshelf” educational game, teaching young people about Europe, its history and culture, concluded the visit, with local youth representatives meeting the Ambassador and engaging in the activity.