Georgia’s Investors Council calls on European Commission President to grant EU candidate status to Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

A new letter by the Georgian Investors Council, addressed to Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, calls for a “unity” between “countries that share the European Union’s values” in supporting a granting of EU candidate status to Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

Sent to the high official on Thursday, the letter says granting the membership candidate status to the Associated Trio states would “further demonstrate the EU’s resolve” and represent a “signal” of the Union acknowledging the three countries’ struggles and supporting their goal to “remain independent, Western democracies”.

Clearly, this is a time for unity between all the countries that share the EU’s values. This unity has been seen in the Western coalition against the Russian aggression [on Ukraine]”, the letter reads.

In the address, the Council also notes the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine and mentions it "reminds trauma" of Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008.

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The letter also points out the “unequivocal” Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia, saying the country’s population “overwhelmingly” supports EU membership, with the aspiration driven by “shared European values, history and hopes for the future”.

We all understand gaining EU membership candidate status will be the beginning of our work. The negotiations that follow, and the conditions that the EU places on membership, will provide a significant reform-agenda for the country”, the body acknowledges.

The independent advisory body also pledges to “redouble efforts to fulfil any requirement of a full membership”, calling Georgia a “front-runner” in the implementation of the Association Agreement signed with the EU in 2014.  

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We are sure that this [EU membership] would include profound challenges, but we are certain that the goal of EU membership will drive us to meet them”, the letter reads. 

Speaking of all three countries’ aspirations for “Western values and democracy”, the council says Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine need support “to choose their own visions for the future”.

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EU membership candidacy represents a statement of faith in the people of these countries, and will support those of us who are optimistic about a democratic, peaceful and prosperous path forward”, the Council stresses in the address. 

Chaired by the Prime Minister of Georgia, the Investors Council includes Business Associations and International Financial Institutions and aims to “promote business and investment climate in Georgia”.