EU Ambassador: Union’s decision to open door to Georgia “truly historic” moment

European Union Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell on Thursday said it was "very important for everyone in Georgia to realise” that the EU’s decision to “open the door” to Georgia with the European Council’s move to grant the country the European perspective was a “truly historic” moment.

Hartzell stressed the significance of all players in Georgia considering how best to make use of the “important opportunities” that had opened up for the country.

I believe it is very important for everyone in Georgia to realise that the EU’s decision to open the door to Georgia is a truly historic moment. Everyone needs to consider how best now to make use of the important opportunities that have opened up for the country. The European path remains a merit-based process. The ball is now in the court of Georgia”, the EU diplomat said. 

He also stressed there was no time to waste as “the eyes and ears of Europe are currently focused on this region”. 

For Georgia the challenge is to deliver on the 12 priorities [outlined by the European Council for granting the EU membership candidate status] basically as soon as possible. Once this has been done, it will send a very powerful message to the EU and its member states that Georgia is back on track and can be counted on to advance further. There’s no time for complacency because the momentum must not be lost. Action is needed now”, Hartzell concluded in his comments.