New German Ambassador Voss Assumes Office Amid Ties 'Marked by Tensions'

Barbara Voss assumed office as Germany's ambassador-designate to Georgia, succeeding Peter Fischer, whose tenure was marked by repeated disputes with Georgian Dream after he criticized the party's anti-democratic actions — prompting Berlin to recall him for consultations in 2025 following months of Georgian officials 'agitating' against Germany, the EU and the ambassador himself. Voss said 'the existing tensions are weighing on Germany's and the European Union's relations with Georgia,' but that 'Germany's active support for the country's democratic and pro-European course remains unwaveringly strong.' The strain also delayed the reverse appointment: Georgia's ambassador to Berlin, Alexander Kartozia, did not present his credentials to German President Steinmeier until July 23, 2026 — nearly ten months after his appointment.