Ruling party head hails “official recognition” of Georgia’s European perspective by European Commission

Georgia has been waiting for an official recognition of its European perspective for many years, and the Government is pleased that this perspective has been officially recognised by the European Commission, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, said on Friday.

Kobakhidze made the comment following the European Commission's recommendation to grant “European prospective” to Georgia, with the official saying the decision would become the “basis” for receiving the EU membership candidate status “in the near future.”

Georgia has been waiting for the official recognition of its European perspective by the European Union for many years. We are pleased that today this perspective was officially recognised by the European Commission, which has provided a specific guide to obtaining the [membership] candidate status”, he said.

Although the candidate status does not give the country any financial or other material privilege, not receiving this status at this stage is, to some extent, still, of course, disappointing”, the party Chairman acknowledged. 

The GD official reiterated Georgia was “ahead” of both Ukraine and Moldova by all “measurable parameters” for European integration, including democracy, rule of law, protection of human rights, work against corruption, trade and economic cooperation with the EU and the fulfilment of the obligations under the Association Agreement with the Union.

He also congratulated both Ukraine and Moldova on receiving the EU membership candidate status, which is expected to be confirmed by the European Council within a week.

The strength of democratic institutions, peace and economic development are paramount in preserving Georgia's real chance of joining the European Union. Therefore, the ruling team will do everything possible to further strengthen the democratic institutions, maintain peace and ensure economic progress”, Kobakhidze concluded in his comments. 

The European Commission on Friday recommended the European Council to grant Georgia “European prospective” before assessing how the country meets a number of conditions for receiving the European Union membership candidate status.