EU High Representative: process of joining EU should be based on consensus of whole nation, not only government but all political parties should work together

The process of joining the European Union must be based on the consensus of the “whole nation” and everyone should work together, not only the government but all political parties, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said on Tuesday at the joint press conference with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi in Brussels.

Borrell said accession to the EU must reflect the will of the “majority” of citizens and the process should be a “national effort” led by the Government, in which the whole community would participate. He also added that the polarisation in Georgia included two poles, the Government, which had the “main responsibility” and the “entire political spectrum”, who had to understand that this was an “inclusive process” and it was necessary for “every player” to participate.

I am glad to host Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili [...], Georgia is one of our closest partners and collaborators. This is a special meeting, as after the recognition of Georgia's European perspective by the EU leaders, such a high-level meeting is being held for the first time, and it really confirms that the EU has an obligation to further strengthen our relations and fulfil Georgia's ambitions”, Borrell said.

He added that Georgia had the responsibility to continue the reforms, especially with regard to fulfilling the 12-point conditions outlined by the Council for granting the country candidate status and noted the country had to weaken the polarisation “across the political spectrum” and had to focus on the “common efforts” to fulfil the stated goals and receive the EU membership candidate status.

Let me remind you that joining the European Union is a merit-based process, there are no shortcuts, no detours, there is a political will, a political declaration that will grow into results, and only visible, accessible and tangible outcomes lead to progress on this path”, the EU High Representative noted. 

Borrell said the EU and all the European institutions have been “ready to help” Georgia on its EU integration path and noted that the country had to “fulfil the made promises”.